Grounds Worker Applicator

Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department: Grounds

Advertised Salary: $20.25 per hour

Full-time, 12-month continuing position within the Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609) union group. Just-cause employment.

About the Role

Perform independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems, and grounds equipment using approved environmental and ecological practices. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. This position may require availability to work other shifts, weekends, and evenings, including overtime and responding to emergency calls. If required by job duties, the employee must be able to fulfill university requirements concerning the issuance and use of university keys.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus lawns, all plant life, flower and shrub beds including but not limited to planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, sweeping, etc.
• Repair and maintain irrigation systems.
• Perform snow and ice removal from campus roads, lots, walks, steps, ramps, etc. with mechanical and powered equipment.
• Apply general use, ready-to-use, non-licensing required pesticide and related products.
• Construct and/or install landscape functions such as hardscape construction (e.g., modular and/or retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, benches, etc.).
• Calculate pesticide application methods and calibrations.
• Use and follow pesticide safety guidelines as dictated by state and federal regulations and FSU-established criteria.
• Mix and/or apply pesticides (State of Michigan license required), adjuvants, and related products.
• Prune trees, shrubs, and other plant life.
• Operate a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize a driving record check and meet driving authorization requirements.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
• Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties

• Maintain sports turf and playing surfaces, including field layout and paint striping.
• Assist in the repair of landscape fencing.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of concrete flat work.
• Assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing storm drain systems.
• Maintain and perform minor repairs on grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., blade replacement, sharpening, greasing).
• Assist in the installation, repair, and maintenance of sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, bollards, etc.
• Assist in the survey of site elevations and distances for various landscape and grounds maintenance functions.
• Request necessary service, garage maintenance, and/or repair of grounds maintenance equipment.
• Train students and employees in the performance of characteristic duties.
• Report to immediate supervisor.
• Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.
• Other duties may be assigned, including assistance of other grounds employees as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Three years full-time equivalent landscape maintenance and landscape construction functions as performed in a residential and/or commercial setting.
• Commercial pesticide spray experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid (current) State of Michigan Pesticide Application license (Core, 3A, 3B).

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education or experience in related fields.

Skills

• Ability to perform essential and marginal duties.
• Work harmoniously with others in variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather.
• Maintain university and grounds maintenance industry standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity.
• Read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operation manuals.
• Familiarity with and proficiency in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small engine/grounds equipment such as light-duty trucks, small engines, lawn mowers, light-duty tractors and skidsteers, snow removal machines, air compressors, and any other equipment associated with grounds-related work functions.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
• Work independently.
• Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Facilities Management Safety Manual.
• Familiarity with identifying trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accepted A.A.N. (American Association of Nurserymen) methods of pruning trees and shrubs.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Physical Demands

• Bending
• Carrying
• Exposure to inclement weather
• Moving
• Reaching
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Climbing
• Driving
• Working at heights
• Lifting
• Pulling/Pushing
• Repetitive movement
• Standing

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including health care and vacation. AFSCME Benefits

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. May require availability to work other shifts, weekends, and evenings, including overtime and responding to emergency calls.