TITLE: Groundskeeper 

DEPARTMENT: Facilities

REPORTS TO: Grounds/Housekeeping Manager

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsible for the cultivation and care of the landscaping and grounds surrounding a business or building. Plants flowers, mows, pulls weeds, repairs structures, and maintains outside of building. Primary responsibilities Landscape and/or maintain grounds of University using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortar less segmental concrete masonry wall units.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing and removing thatch, and trimming and edging around flower beds, walks, and walls.
• Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, and trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
• Mow and edge lawns, using power mowers and edger’s.
• Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, and shrubs, and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools.
• Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
• Decorate gardens with stones and plants.
• Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers and foliage.
• Gather and remove litter.
• Haul or spread topsoil, and spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
• Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
• Plan and cultivate lawns and gardens.
• Prune and trim trees, shrubs, and hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
• Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
• Trim and pick flowers, and clean flower beds
• Set-up of special events
• Operation of truck and/or powered grounds equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• In lieu of education, previous experience in housekeeping is acceptable; however, a High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is preferred.
• Ability to follow instructions, and work independently or on a team
• Good customer service skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance and turf equipment operations.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Ability to perform grounds maintenance tasks.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to perform grounds maintenance tasks such as laying sod.
• Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects.
• Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Facilities Department employees are considered “essential employees.” As such, all Facilities Department employees are required to report for work during emergencies as well as University closings.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.