Groundskeeper

Family: OPS/BU 26

Revised: 9/10/04 // 10/5/2023

BOT: 5/17/2005

APPLE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLASS TITLE: GROUNDSKEEPER

BASIC FUNCTION: Under direction of the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, perform general grounds

keeping duties and gardening work around schools and District facilities; assist other grounds personnel as

required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Incumbents in the classification may not

perform all of these tasks or may perform similar related tasks not listed here. (E1- frequent duties, E2- moderate duties, E3- occasional duties)

• Plant, fertilize, water, trim and prune shrubs, trees and flowers; prepare ground for planting. (E1)
• Operate and service a variety of grounds maintenance tools and machinery including but not limited to; power mowers or a gang mower, blowers and edgers. (E1)
• Operate and service a variety of equipment including but not limited to; backhoes, skip loaders and forklifts. (E1)
• Complete all necessary steps to maintain lawns, athletic fields and related District grounds areas. (E2)
• Sweep and blow debris from walks and driveways; gather and remove trash from grounds. (E3)
• Move trees, shrubs or flowers. (E3)
• Maintain work and material inventory records. (E2)
• Order and purchase supplies. (E2)
• Operate a variety of equipment including forklift, ladder, platform or lift. (E2)
• Disseminate information, work and participate in team projects. (E2)
• Use and maintain a District issued 2-way radio or personal cell telephone as needed. (E2)
• Assist with a variety of semi-skilled, general maintenance work within other trades as needed. (E3)
• Burn organic materials following fire department and local ordinances.
• Operate and drive vehicle in support of essential duties; observe legal and defensive driving practices. (E1)
• Ensure safety of students while performing duties at District school sites.
• Prepare and apply chemicals for the control of weeds, mildew, fungus and pests. (E3)
• Maintain an organized and safe working environment. (E1)
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A. High School Diploma or equivalent.

B. Six (6) months full-time experience working in the gardening, grounds maintenance or landscaping field

Or

Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates ability to perform the essential duties may be substituted for the required experience and/or education.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• A certificate stating freedom from Tuberculosis.
• A valid California Driver License.
• Current DMV printout upon completion of application.
• Valid First Aid Certification.
• Valid CPR Certification preferred.
• Forklift Operator's License within 45 days of employment.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods, supplies and tools used in planting, cultivating and caring for flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns.
• Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in groundskeeping work.
• Safety rules and procedures pertaining to related job duties.
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic Math Concepts.
• Modern office equipment.
• Telephone etiquette.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform general gardening and grounds keeping work.
• Operate a variety of equipment including a truck and backhoe.
• Use various gardening and grounds maintenance tools, supplies and power equipment safely and efficiently.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with students and staff.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Operate a variety of equipment including forklift, ladder, platform or lift.
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine servicing of equipment.
• Operate and drive vehicle in support of essential duties; observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Adhere to schedules and timelines
• Establish and revise priorities as needed to accomplish assignments.
• Follow federal, state and district regulations, procedures and policies.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Kneeling, standing, sitting or walking for extended periods of time.
• Seeing and hearing to perform essential duties.
• Bending or twisting at the waist.
• Reaching overhead and horizontally.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform essential duties.
• Lift, move, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Climb a ladder.

ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposed to outside weather conditions and fumes from various chemicals.
• Subject to demanding time lines and constant interruptions.

HAZARDS:

• Exposed to chemical agents and associated fumes from fertilizer, pesticides and gardening chemicals.
• Exposed to dust and odors from fumes from fertilizer, pesticides and gardening chemicals.
• The noise level is usually loud.
• Subject to angry or disgruntled people.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.