JOB SUMMARY:

The Groundskeeper will perform landscaping and related services required to maintain safe and attractive grounds. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects and discards litter or other waste materials.
• Operates a variety of maintenance equipment such as shovels, rakes, or saws to complete assignments.
• Operates power equipment and other vehicles such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, or other similar machines.  
• Ensures proper hydration of lawns, trees, and plants using sprinkler systems, hoses, watering cans, or irrigation systems.
• Trims trees and vegetation and maintains flower beds.
• Maintains sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, or other features; performs general cleaning
• Plans and cultivates lawns, turf, or gardens and, based on landscaping designs, determines further work that should occur.  
• Delivers and spreads topsoil and/or straw over newly seeded areas.   
• Prepares chemicals as needed for application by mixing according to directions.  
• Applies fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs or trees by spraying or spreading.
• Performs regular and seasonal maintenance on irrigation systems including any necessary winterizing procedures.
• Installs and maintains specialty features such as rock gardens, retaining walls, decks, or playground equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Twelve months experience in a directly related position utilizing the methods, materials, and equipment used
• Must hold a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record. May operate Authority vehicle while on Housing Authority business.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work.
• Must be available to work after hours and on holiday/weekends if required.
• Must agree to participate in on-call rotation duties as required to meet Housing Authority goals and objectives.
• Must obtain TDA pest and herbicide license within six months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Good verbal communication skills. 
• Basic understanding of groundskeeping and landscaping practices and procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and thoroughly.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Thorough understanding of how to care for various types of lawns, greenery, and plants.
• Ability to operate various types of power equipment including lawn mowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Prolonged periods standing, walking, stretching, bending, climbing ladders, kneeling, and pulling.  
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time. 
• Must be physically able to operate power equipment.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions.