Skilled Groundskeeper/Equipment Operator

Purpose Statement The job of Skilled Groundskeeper/Equipment Operator is done for the purpose/s of performing skilled work in the renovation, installation and maintenance of District grounds and related equipment; constructing and maintaining landscaped areas, parking lots, building pads and service roads; demolishing existing structures, clearing an area in preparation for additional work; ensuring availability of items to complete projects on time; coordinating work flow and ensuring safety of workers. This job reports to the Director Maintenance, Operations & Facilities

Essential Functions

• Assembles installs and maintains playground equipment for the purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment in safe operating condition in compliance with established guidelines.
• Assists in all phases of irrigation installation and repair for the purpose of ensuring the ongoing functioning of irrigation system.
• Excavates a variety of district property (e.g. earth, asphalt, concrete, debris; form, mix, pour and finish concrete; patch asphalt, etc.) for the purpose of installing, repairing, improving and maintaining landscaped areas and fields in a safe and clean condition.
• Maintains tools and/or grounds and maintenance equipment (e.g. check oil and fluid levels; perform repairs as need to assure safe and efficient equipment operation, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment in safe operating condition.
• Operates a variety of heavy grounds maintenance equipment (e.g. back hoe, tractors, skiploader and attachments, sweepers, loaders, jackhammers, chipper, chain saws, etc.) for the purpose of constructing and maintaining landscaped areas, fences, parking lots, building pads and service roads.
• Performs routine grounds maintenance duties (e.g. assist other grounds personnel as assigned, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining campus grounds in accordance with established standards.
• Prepare grounds for planting landscaping materials (e.g. plants lawns, shrubbery, flowers; level grounds; build mounds for athletic fields; mark and prepare lines; assist in installation and repair irrigation system, etc.) for the purpose of of keeping the grounds attractive and protecting against erosion.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. requisitions for materials for nursery and material supply yards, time sheets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or relating activities to administration for action.
• Transports mowers and other heavy equipment to and from work sites (e.g. deliver/tow and unload have grounds maintenance equipment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring their availability for use in completing work assignments.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating a variety of equipment including dump truck, back hoe, skip loader, power mowers, forklifts, jackhammers and other related equipment; and operating, maintaining and making minor repairs to power grounds equipment and tools. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: methods, materials, tools and operation of all power equipment used in grounds construction and maintenance work; health and safety regulations; methods used in caring for plants, shrubs, flowers, trees and lawns; lawn planting and cutting procedures. ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: understanding and following oral and written directions; working independently with little direction; planning and organizing work; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; and preparing accurate records.

Responsibility Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized routines; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. Experience      Job related experience is required. Education        High school diploma or equivalent. Equivalency    graduation from high school and three years grounds equipment operation experience.