Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Under general supervision of the Building and Maintenance Superintendent or designee, performs a variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping duties to ensure County properties are clean, safe, and aesthetically maintained. May assist custodial and building maintenance staff as needed. This position requires regular physical labor in outdoor environments and the use of various tools and equipment.

The Groundskeeper position at Inyo County is distinguished by its emphasis on maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of county properties through a variety of landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks. This role requires a blend of physical stamina, technical skills, and a proactive approach to ensure that all outdoor areas are safe, clean, and visually appealing. Key features include versatility in maintenance tasks, technical proficiency with equipment, adherence to safety and compliance standards, and the ability to perform physically demanding work in challenging outdoor environments. Additionally, the Groundskeeper supports facility maintenance, assists with event setup and cleanup, and responds to emergencies.

Teamwork, flexibility, and reliability are essential for this role. Performs landscape maintenance including mowing, edging, trimming, planting, pruning, fertilizing, and weed / pest control. Maintains and repairs irrigation systems; installs sprinkler heads and timers. Operates a variety of landscape and grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and utility vehicles. Maintains equipment including changing oil, sharpening blades, and making minor repairs. Applies pesticides and herbicides in accordance with safety protocols and regulatory standards. Cleans and maintains walkways, parking areas, patios, and entrances. Removes debris, leaves, litter, and snow from County grounds and walkways. Safely handles and applies pesticides and other chemicals. Assists with setup and cleanup for events or special functions. Assists Building and Maintenance Workers with moving furniture and other facility-related support. May perform basic custodial tasks such as cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, and restocking supplies as needed. May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays. May be required to respond to emergencies. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience : High school diploma or equivalent AND Three (3) years of experience in grounds keeping, landscaping, or similar work. Experience with irrigation systems and landscaping equipment is preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements : Required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment and must possess a valid operator's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Knowledge of : Grounds maintenance techniques and practices; Safe operation and maintenance of tools and equipment; Proper use and handling of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides; Basic irrigation system components and repairs; General cleaning and custodial procedures; Safe work practices and procedures.

Ability to : Perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions; Operate and maintain grounds keeping equipment and vehicles; Perform minor repairs and equipment servicing; Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Work independently or as part of a team; Interact effectively and courteously with coworkers and the public.

Environmental Conditions : Assigned work is performed mostly outdoors in a variety of hot, cold, wet, dry, dusty, and windy conditions. Driving is required between work locations with limited transportation alternatives. Appropriate safety gear is required. Occasional contact with others may occur. Use of certain equipment may involve exposure to noise and vibration. Schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

Physical Demands : This is a physically demanding job. Constant : Standing, Walking on varied terrain (including uneven ground, slippery surfaces, Handling (holding, light grasping), Bending and twisting at the neck and waist, Reaching above and below the shoulder, Lifting / pushing / pulling / carrying up to 50 pounds, and Visual, auditory, and speech acuity, with memory and recall, for accurate and timely operations and communications, Power grasping, Operating potentially hazardous tools and machinery, Repeated hand movements that require dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Frequent : Exposure to extreme temperatures, Exposure to excessive noise, Exposure to vibration from vehicle or tool operations, Exposure to dust / gas / fumes / chemicals, Squatting / crouching, and Lifting / pushing / pulling / carrying 50-100 pounds. Occasional : Interacting with others specific to job duties, Climbing steps / stepstools / ladders, Working at heights, Kneeling, Exposure to excessive noise, Exposure to vibration from vehicle or tool operations, Driving, Sitting, and Fine fingering (pinching, picking), Infrequent : Computer use (mouse, keyboard), Crawling, and Running. Never / Rare : Lifting / pushing / pulling / carrying more than 100 pounds.