Ground Keeper

The Groundskeeper reports to the Director of Facilities and is responsible for maintaining the school grounds to provide a safe, clean, attractive, and functional outdoor environment for students, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities include maintaining athletic fields, playgrounds, landscaping, sidewalks, parking areas, and other exterior facilities while ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations and CHP Schools policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is an explanation of the duties Groundskeeper. It includes the major highlights of the requirements of the position.  There should be a clear understanding that the duties outlined below are not all-encompassing.  Additional responsibilities may be assigned to Groundskeeper as required.

A. Mow, edge, trim, fertilize, aerate, and maintain lawns, landscaped areas, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and other exterior grounds.

B. Prepare, maintain, and line athletic fields for school sporting events and activities.

C. Inspect playgrounds, athletic facilities, sidewalks, and outdoor areas daily for hazards; remove debris and report safety concerns.

D. Empty exterior trash and recycling receptacles and maintain cleanliness around entrances, walkways, courtyards, parking lots, and bleachers.

E. Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment including commercial mowers, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, utility vehicles, and related equipment.

F. Perform seasonal maintenance including leaf removal, snow removal, ice treatment, irrigation preparation, mulching, planting, and landscape maintenance.

G. Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other landscaping materials in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and applicable safety regulations.

H. Perform minor repairs to fencing, playground equipment, irrigation systems, athletic equipment, and other outdoor facilities as assigned.

I. Assist with the setup and breakdown of outdoor school events and athletic competitions.

J. Maintain equipment, tools, and storage areas in a safe and organized condition.

K. Perform other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONALISM

Interpersonal/Teamwork

1. Maintains positive and professional relationships with colleagues, children, and parents.
2. Contributes as a team member and actively collaborates with others to meet the mission and goals of CHP Schools and its Affiliate Charter Schools.

Work Habits

1. Knowledgeable and supportive of CHP Schools and their Affiliate Charter Schools policies and procedures, including those in the Policy and Procedure Manual, and implements them consistently.
2. Knowledgeable of laws, regulations, and standards pertinent to their work and demonstrates compliance.
3. Contributes to maintaining a ‘Culture of Safety’ for clients, colleagues and visitors. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Knowledge of ground maintenance, landscaping techniques, and athletic field preparation.
2. Knowledge of safe operation of commercial landscaping equipment.
3. Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals.
4. Ability to identify and correct outdoor safety hazards.
5. Ability to operate commercial mowers, trimmers, blowers, line stripers, snow removal equipment, and other groundskeeping machinery
6. Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
7. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
8. Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple assignments.
9. Ability to read equipment manuals, safety data sheets, and follow written and verbal instructions.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with students, staff, parents, and visitors.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Training, and Experience

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. One (1) to two (2) years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or facilities maintenance experience, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
3. Valid driver's license.
4. Child Abuse Clearance.
5. Criminal Background Clearance.
6. FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

1. N/A

Ongoing Training and Credentialing

1. Meets all ongoing requirements as identified by the Human Resources Department. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. There is a 37.5 hour plus work week that includes occasional weekend and evening work. 
2. The Groundskeeper performs work primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
3. Position requires occasional evening and weekend work to support athletic events, emergencies, and seasonal maintenance.
4. Work includes exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, uneven terrain, dust, pollen, and moving machinery.