Landscaper

Grounds Maintenance Technician

Job Summary:

The Grounds Maintenance Technician maintains and landscapes institutional grounds and athletic areas to ensure safe, attractive, and functional outdoor environments. This position supports daily campus operations through grounds care, operation of landscaping and light construction equipment, and assistance with seasonal and event-related activities. The role is essential to maintaining the appearance, safety, and usability of outdoor facilities across a regional campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mow, trim, fertilize, aerate, roll, seed, reseed, irrigate, topdress, and dethatch lawns, including athletic fields.

• Identify and treat common lawn diseases, weeds, insects, and pests.

• Identify and treat insect pests and diseases affecting trees, shrubs, and flowers; apply fertilizers and sprays as required.

• Prepare, mix, and apply chemicals in accordance with label instructions and safety regulations.

• Plant, transplant, prune, weed, cultivate, feed, and remove trees, shrubs, and flowers.

• Operate trucks, tractors, mowers, sprayers, spreaders, and light construction or landscape equipment.

• Establish sub-grades and finish grades for lawns and athletic areas; lay out and line athletic fields.

• Erect, move, and remove athletic equipment, fencing, posts, and traffic or directory signage.

• Paint traffic lines, benches, fences, guardrails, hydrants, refuse containers, and related structures.

• Mix, pour, and finish concrete for minor repairs to curbs, walks, and catch basins; perform asphalt patching of roads, walks, and parking areas.

• Set up safety equipment and barriers around work zones.

• Assist with event setup, teardown, and cleanup.

• Perform routine vehicle and equipment checks, including cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, and monitoring fluid and tire levels.

• Assist maintenance mechanics as directed.

• Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, debris, snow, and ice from walks, roads, parking lots, and grounds; apply anti-skid materials.

• Remove graffiti, paint, or other materials defacing property.

• Report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or unusual job conditions to a supervisor.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• One to three years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, facilities maintenance, or a related field preferred.

• Experience operating landscaping or light construction equipment preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to obtain and maintain required pesticide or chemical application certifications.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, overtime, and during emergency or weather-related events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of turf care, landscaping practices, plant health, and seasonal maintenance techniques.

• Ability to safely operate and maintain landscaping and light construction equipment.

• Understanding of chemical handling, mixing, and application safety procedures.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and read labels, diagrams, and work orders.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

• Problem-solving ability and adaptability to changing priorities and weather conditions.

• Physical ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, bending, standing, and working outdoors for extended periods.

Additional Desired Characteristics:

• Experience in a campus, municipal, or institutional environment.

• Familiarity with athletic field maintenance and layout.

• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems or minor equipment repair.

• Willingness to learn new skills and participate in training.

Work Environment:

This role is primarily outdoors and involves exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, chemicals, and machinery. Work hours may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and seasonal overtime. The position requires physical labor and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Other Duties:

This description is not exhaustive. Additional related duties may be assigned as operational needs require.