Groundskeeper

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper to join our Plant Operations Team. Under general supervision, this role will perform a variety of fundamental and detailed grounds cleaning, repairs, and preventive maintenance associated with the hospital or hospital-owned buildings as assigned. Maintains and operates all related tools and equipment required in the performance of this job function.

Responsibilities

• Understand and receive work orders through the hospital electronic database system, and close out work orders in a timely manner.
• Clean exterior grounds of debris and trash.
• Perform visual checks of property signage, grounds condition, fence condition, lights and poles condition, and report issues observed to management.
• Empty exterior trash bins and perform trash bin checks periodically throughout the day.
• Aid other staff members as assigned.
• Remove snow and ice from property grounds during the winter months.
• Receive training and in-service.
• Keep work areas, job sites, hospital/grounds clean.
• Manage own time in a productive and reliable manner, completing work assignments on time.
• Complete appropriate volume of work while maintaining quality standards.
• Organize work procedures to general acceptable levels of productivity.
• Maintain grass, bushes, trees, turf, etc., as required, and water greenery and plants adequately.
• Cooperate with coworkers and management to maintain a harmonious environment.
• Adjust work schedule to accommodate changing priorities.
• Operate assigned equipment and perform all procedures in a safe manner.
• Utilize proper body mechanics in all job functions.
• Assist in furniture and equipment moving/relocation.
• Follow established emergency, infection control, and/or universal precautions procedures as required.
• Maintain work area and equipment according to standards and policies.
• Attend mandatory in-services related to safety and/or infection control.
• Support and participate in department quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and organized manner.
• Keep inventory of all grounds-related equipment.
• Assist the facilities team with other indoor duties under certain circumstances, e.g., during rainy and stormy conditions.
• Provide courteous service to internal/external customers in all activities.
• Help all internal/external customers as appropriate and/or refer customer to appropriate individual or department.
• Communicate in a professional manner emphasizing objectivity and nonjudgmental viewpoints.
• Assist in solving customer problems in a cooperative manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Understand and adhere to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keep abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Ensure that staff are trained and evaluated on their knowledge of and adherence to compliance policies and procedures specific to their jobs.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in landscaping required.
• Courses in lawn maintenance and external grounds keeping strongly desired.
• Three to five years’ experience as a groundskeeper.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk, as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push, or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel, or reach. Normal or corrected vision, hearing, and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus, and ability to distinguish colors. There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Why Loretto

Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a healthcare professional. As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.