Grounds Person

Primary Purpose :

Maintain District grounds and properties in a safe, clean, attractive, and preserved condition.

Qualifications :

Education / Certification

High School Diploma or GED, preferred

Valid Class C Texas driver’s license and proof of insurability with District insurance carrier

Special Knowledge / Skills

Knowledge of and ability to operate and maintain grounds care equipment including tractors, mowers, weed eaters, blowers, chain saws

Ability to read and interpret landscape plans

Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions and follow directions

Effective organizational, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills

Experience

One year landscaping; tree, lawn, and shrubbery maintenance; and grounds equipment maintenance experience, preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping

1. Operate lawn-care equipment, trim and maintain trees and shrubs, and perform related grounds and landscaping work at campuses, facilities, and other District property.

2. Perform a variety of actions including but not limited to : mowing; trimming; edging; blowing; sweeping; and maintaining curbs, parking lots, sidewalks, fencing, and playgrounds.

3. Follow scheduled maintenance plan to care for lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers by watering, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, caring for beds, and controlling weeds.

Plant shrubs and vegetation. Collect and dispose of leaves, dirt, rubbish, and refuse.

4. Collaborate with supervisory staff in the observation of seasonal changes to effectively and efficiently plan and complete trimming of trees and shrubs, to extend and preserve life.

Records and Reports

5. Maintain written records of daily activities.

6. Assist in preparing, implementing, and maintaining preventive maintenance schedules for tools and equipment. Ensure that maintenance is completed and vehicles and equipment are in safe operating condition.

Recommend replacement of existing equipment when necessary.

Other

7. Exhibit behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible; and serve as a role model for staff and public.

8. Serve as a back up to the Grounds Lead in their absence.

9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety

10. Practice a high standard of safety in the performance of all duties and abide by District policies and procedures.

11. Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

None

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Tools / Equipment Used : Garden tools; small hand tools; power tools; mower; edger; weed-eater, blower, chain saw, tiller, compactor, heavy equipment including backhoe, tractor, grade, light truck or van

Posture : Frequent standing, kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting; work in tiring and uncomfortable positions

Motion : Frequent walking; climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding; grasping, squeezing, wrist flexion / extension; overhead reaching;

visual acuity; frequent driving

Lifting : Lifting and carrying up to 55 pounds without assistance, more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance, on a daily basis

Environment : Work outside and inside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces, and on ladders or scaffolding; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, humidity, dust, toxic chemicals and materials, asbestos-containing materials, grease, oils, loud noises, vibration, and electrical hazards;

work around machinery with moving parts; may work alone; occasionally work irregular or prolonged hours; frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands : Maintain emotional control under stress and exercise reasoning and problem-solving under pressure

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The information in this document is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.