Groundskeeper

Description

The Parish Groundskeeper/Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and reverent appearance of parish and school buildings and grounds. This position supports the liturgical, sacramental, pastoral, and community life of the parish by ensuring that church facilities are properly prepared and maintained in accordance with Catholic practices and diocesan guidelines.

The employee is expected to uphold the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church and conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner consistent with parish values.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St Joseph which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St Joseph help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Groundskeeping Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim hedges, edge sidewalks, and maintain landscaping.
• Maintain prayer gardens, statues, Stations of the Cross, cemetery areas (if applicable), and other devotional spaces.
• Remove litter and debris from parish property.
• Maintain parking lots and walkways, including snow and ice removal as needed.
• Operate and maintain lawn care and maintenance equipment safely.
  
  

Maintenance & Safety

• Perform minor repairs (light bulbs, filters, basic plumbing or carpentry fixes).
• Conduct routine inspections of buildings and grounds.
• Report major repair needs to the Facilities Manager.
• Ensure compliance with diocesan safety policies and OSHA standards.
• Assist during emergencies, inclement weather, or urgent facility needs.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of turf management and lawn care practices
• Knowledge of plant species, shrubs, trees, and seasonal maintenance needs
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and water conservation techniques
• Knowledge of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticide application procedures
• Knowledge of landscaping tools and heavy equipment including but not limited to mowers, trimmers, blowers, and tractors
• Knowledge of basic plumbing and irrigation repair
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and OSHA standards
• Knowledge of weather impact on grounds maintenance
  
  

Skills

• Skill in operating landscaping equipment safely and efficiently
• Skill in mowing, edging, pruning, planting, and fertilizing
• Skill in diagnosing lawn and plant health issues
• Skill in irrigation system troubleshooting and repair
• Skill in minor repairs (fences, walkways, fixtures)
• Time management and task prioritization skills
• Communication skills for interacting with supervisors and team members
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift heavy materials (50 pounds)
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and perform physical labor for extended periods
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to identify hazards and maintain safe work environments
• Ability to maintain attention to detail in landscape appearance
• Ability to respond to emergency maintenance situations
  
  

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education And Trainings

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.
  
  

Experience

• Two (2) years of related full time wage earning experience.
  
  

Language

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)
  
  

Catholic Requirement

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
  
  

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
  
  

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.