Groundskeeper

Summary

The Groundskeeper position will be an essential year-round, cross-functional role responsible for maintaining a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for the SOT campus. This primarily outdoor position requires adapting to seasonal demands and operating a variety of groundskeeping power equipment. This may include performing a variety of tasks such as snow removal, mowing of lawns, edging, leaf disposal, laying of mulch, planting flowers/trees, pruning trees, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and attractiveness of St. Monica's Recreation Center grounds. This position will work in tandem with the Grounds and Maintenance team and be all hands-on deck as required to work as a back-up for indoor custodial projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct daily property inspections and remove trash and debris to maintain strong curb appeal.
• Perform routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, edging, fertilizing, aerating lawns, snow and ice removal, and maintaining landscaped areas.
• Plant, water, prune, and maintain flowers, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation to ensure healthy growth and appearance.
• Weed and mulch flower beds and landscaped areas to control weeds and enhance presentation.
• Monitor, maintain, and repair irrigation systems to ensure proper watering of grounds.
• Assist with installation of landscape features such as flower beds, walkways, and outdoor structures.
• Clean and maintain outdoor surfaces including sidewalks, parking lots, roadways using tools such as blowers, rakes, and power washers.
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, blowers, and heavy machinery (e.g., Bobcat, Dingo, skid steers, compact loaders, and backhoe) ensuring that they are in good working condition.
• Perform routine inspections, safety checks, and minor repairs on tools and equipment.
• Assist with the setup and teardown of furniture, equipment, and staging for SOT events.
• Follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and SOT safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
• Manage storage and safe handling of landscaping chemicals, including cleaners, fertilizers and pesticides; report property deficiencies as needed.
• Perform basic groundskeeping maintenance and repairs (e.g., painting, minor plumbing).
• Collaborate with team members to prioritize and complete maintenance tasks efficiently.
• Maintain records of completed work performed, including groundskeeping maintenance schedules, equipment maintenance, and inventory of groundskeeping supplies.
• Provide backup support for custodial staff as needed, including cleaning floors and sanitizing high-touch surfaces (tables, chairs, restrooms, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Detail-oriented and thorough.
• Ability to remain discreet and respect the privacy of residents, tenants, and/or guests.
• Sufficient ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to complete work efficiently, effectively, and courteously.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for proper handling of chemicals (e.g., cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides).
• Safety conscious with strict adherence to safety protocols and equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience operating and maintaining landscaping equipment, including lawn mowers, edgers, utility vehicles (e.g., Gators), leaf blowers, and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of plant care, gardening, and general landscaping techniques.
• Knowledge of common landscaping products, including fertilizers and pesticides, and their proper use.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to safely climb ladders up to 10 feet.

Education and Experience

• Education should be sufficient to read, write, and speak as needed for the job.
• Proven experience in outdoor groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with indoor custodial duties (e.g., sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as tables, chairs, and restroom fixtures) is a plus; training will be provided if needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain attention to detail while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking and frequently pulling, pushing, kneeling, and bending.
• Occasional lifting of 50 1bs.
• Occasional climbing of ladders up to 10 feet.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• The noise level is generally moderate and consistent with standard business office settings.
• Prolonged work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.