Groundskeeper

Job Summary

This is semi-skilled work in general grounds keeping activities and engine-equipment   maintenance. The employee in this position is responsible for the general grounds keeping activities such as planting, weeding, watering, sodding, mowing and trimming of lawns and gardens. An employee in this class normally works with only general supervision, supervisor’s directions are received on new or difficult work. Quality of work is evaluated through inspection by the Grounds Supervisor or another administrative supervisor. 

Duties and Responsibilities

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  The duties and responsibilities listed are essential job functions and exclude functions which are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.

• Assist the university in implementing the statement of purpose
• Assist the university in implementing the long-range institutional plan
• Assist in the operation of the Grounds department.
• Perform maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of all grounds’ irrigation systems.
• Perform landscape installation and construction.
• Install, repair or modify all existing valves, controllers, irrigation systems, irrigation electrical wiring, water mains and fire hydrants, study existing irrigation blueprints as necessary.
• Irrigate, trim, edge, aerate, mow, fertilize and renovate turf areas; irrigate, feed, spray and cultivate around trees, shrubs, and hedges; trim and prune trees, shrubs and hedges.
• Diagnose disease and pest conditions; spray landscaped areas with herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides; prepare chemical mixtures in proper proportions; locate, trap and bait rodents; all according to federal, state and county regulations.
• Provide a variety of general maintenance to campus grounds; blow, sweep and wash sidewalks, statues, fountains, and other hardscapes.
• Assists with maintaining, troubleshooting and repair of grounds’ tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Perform general duties such as installing campus signs and setting up and taking down of campus events and outdoor classrooms as needed.
• Interface with contractors and vendors as requested.
• Participates in the care and maintenance of grounds and improves landscape by planting trees, grass, flowers, and shrubs.
• Removes dirt, rubbish, leaves and other refuse, and maintains the walkways, parking areas, sheds, and benches.
• Participates in filling, surfacing, hauling and fertilizing operations.
• Mows and trims lawns; trims hedges with hand and power-driven equipment; weeds flower beds; and removes hazardous tree limbs.
• Waters lawns, trees and shrubs using hoses or sprinkler system.
• Sprays lawns, shrubs and trees with fertilizer or insecticide, and applies soil supplements to improve soil.
• Maintain and perform minor repairs to campus roads and pavements.
• Maintains, repairs, and cleans campus decorative fountains.
• Maintains campus cleanliness.
• May work with Housekeeping, Maintenance or Projects Crews as needed.
• May assist Campus Security occasionally.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read and perform simple math calculations necessary to properly mix chemicals as needed or instructed.
• Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Uncompromised ability to wear OSHA, ANZI and WCU prescribed safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Valid Mississippi driver license.
• Must be able to perform duties in an on-campus setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Agriculture Pesticide and Herbicide Applicators license.
• Gardner, Master Gardner Certification

Physical Demands

Heavy physical labor with constant standing and walking for extended periods of time; walking on and over rough or uneven surfaces; frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing up to fifty pounds; frequent bending, kneeling and stooping; manual dexterity required to install grass sod, shape and trim shrubbery, climb ladders and operate power equipment safely; ability to operate gas or electric vehicles, carts, motor vehicles, tractors, loaders, trailers, etc. Carry, pick-up or deliver materials, supplies and equipment to various work areas and/or campus locations. Ability to properly and continuously wear OSHA, ANSI, and WCU designated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoor and outdoor environments in all weather conditions including rain and cold, extreme heat; exposure to sun for extended periods of time; work on slippery and/or uneven surfaces; work at, above and below ground locations, and in confined and/or awkwardly configured areas; work in poorly-lighted areas, and around electrical panels; work while using and  wearing safety equipment; respirators, protective gloves, steel toed footwear, protective chaps, face shields and goggles/eye protection, hearing protection, and rain suits; exposure to dust, oil/grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, smoke and pollen, and materials such as solvents and other chemicals and fumes; exposure to loud noise levels from equipment and vehicle operation; must work with and around equipment and machinery with moving and rotating parts; work assignments may be scheduled at any campus location(s), day and/or evenings and weekends as needed to conduct maintenance activities. Adheres to WCU and departmental dress code, appearance is neat, clean and professional.  Wears WCU designated Grounds Staff uniform daily, without alteration or decoration.  Continually wears OSHA, ANZI and WCU prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  Compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and WCU established safety requirements and procedures is a condition of employment.