Grounds Technician II

Purpose and Scope

The Grounds Technician II provides advice and council to grounds crew employees on a day-to-day basis. Assists Leadership with scheduling and assigning employees. Performs basic grounds and landscaping maintenance using power driven tools and equipment, such as: mower, edger, power clippers, and vacuum/blower devices. Conducts general preventive/periodic maintenance of power equipment and tools. Performs external pest control of property. Work is performed with little supervision. Assist with schedules and assigns grounds maintenance activities related to the college campus exterior, parking lots and grounds. This role works collaboratively across LSC campuses on special projects, recommend process improvement, and implement best practices in standard operating procedures (SOPs) across functional units.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance and installation of irrigation systems, as well as miscellaneous repairs to equipment and devices
• Maintains landscaping and grounds of one or multiple Lone Star College campus(s). Using a riding power mower, mows, fertilize shrubs, trees and edges the lawn; Blows all sidewalks and parking areas to clear leaves, grass, etc.
• Performs landscape general labor for planting
• Routinely sprays insecticides, treats plants and trees for disease or insect infestation
• Assists in scheduling and assigning work of grounds crew. May assume supervisory duties in absence of manager
• Works collaboratively across LSC campuses on special projects, evaluate business strategies, recommend process improvement, and implement best practices in standard operating procedures (SOPs) across functional units
• Provide directions to outside contractors performing ground services
• Responsible for other reasonable, related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to understand and follow directions given orally
• Physically capable of performing heavy lifting (50 pounds) and labor intensive work associated with grounds maintenance
• Capable of safely operating powered equipment, such as: riding mower, brush hog, tractor; and be able to determine which equipment to use for a particular purpose
• Knowledge of grounds keeping equipment experience
• Ability to read and understand blueprints

Physical Abilities

• Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Ability to perform labor intensive work associated with grounds maintenance

Work Schedule and Conditions

• Equipment used includes general grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, blowers, etc.
• Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position
• Work is performed primarily outdoors. Exposure to normal atmospheric conditions, dirt, dust, weather variables, etc. Lifting, trip hazard, and power tools/equipment safety precautions must be observed as necessary to carry out the duties of this position
• May regularly travel to different LSC locations
• May be fully reassigned to other LSC locations if necessary
• May need to work weekends and untraditional hours if necessary
• This position is classified as an essential employee, which means the individual may be required to report to work during college closures or emergencies to support recovery and reopening efforts.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and at least 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have valid Texas driver's license and be eligible for insurance coverage

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher
• Experience in local terrain and climate horticulture
• TCEQ Irrigation Technician Certification, Landscape irrigator License, or equivalent certification
• Current Certified Applicator License from the Texas Department of Agriculture