POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Landscaping and Grounds division of Facilities Services is responsible for exterior maintenance (non-facility) of a 142-acre campus. The activities of the landscaping and grounds professionals are highly visible and play an important role in promoting the ambiance of a park like environment in a major urban setting. The maintenance of an attractive and safe campus is important in attracting and retaining faculty, staff and students. Promote communications between the maintenance, custodial, construction, landscaping, and administrative divisions of Facilities Services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform lawn maintenance including cutting, irrigation, chemical application of all campus groundcover including pedestrian walkways, football, baseball, track and field and other athletic facilities. Groundskeepers are responsible for identifying areas for reseeding and resodding. (28%)
- Perform snow and Ice removal including the clearing of all campus walkways, building entrances, emergency egress to maintain a safe and open campus environment. (22%)
- Perform general maintenance of campus grounds including debris removal, trash hauling and special pick-ups. (10%)
- Paint athletic fields in accordance with regulations for all sporting events. Assess the condition of the athletic fields to determine appropriate course of action to minimize risk of injury to student athletes. (9%)
- Perform bed maintenance including the planting, weeding and irrigation of all flowers, decorative beds on campus. (8%)
- Perform autumn maintenance including removal of leaves from all areas of the campus. (7%)
- Identify and assess diseases and pest problems in groundcover, lawns, trees and gardens to mitigate damage. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
- Promote communications between the maintenance, custodial, construction, landscaping, and administrative divisions of Facilities Services. (5%)
- Maintain records, reports, and inventory of various aspects of the campus landscaping program. (2%)
- Design and install signs. (1%)
- Prepare grounds for asphalt and concrete installations. Prepare grounds for, and install, pavers. (1%)
- Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with department staff.
University: Regular contact with all members of university
External: Little or no contact with vendors
Students: Contact with students in work area as it pertains to landscaping responsibilities
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 5 years of institutional, industrial, or commercial landscaping experience.
Education/Licensing: A high school education. A valid driver's license free of significant violations.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Individuals must be knowledgeable in the safe use and operation of power mowers, snow blowers and related equipment, vehicles. Individuals must be aware of the safety exposures created by the use of this equipment to themselves and others.
- Must be experienced and knowledgeable in the use of specialized heavy equipment including, but not limited to, back hoes, bobcat, tow motors, chain saws, trenchers, tub grinders, and chippers.
- Must have experience in repairing equipment for seasonal changeover.
- Must have experience in repairing irrigation systems. Must have experience in designing decorative beds (flowers, shrubs, etc.).
- Ability to work independently.
- Must be able to safely operate small mowers and all types of Class D motor vehicles.
- Must be familiar with the proper and safe use of basic hand tools, power tools, and safety equipment.
- Basic computer skills; must be able to learn Work Management System software to record work performed in the Zone.
- Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is directly exposed to animals, moving machinery, blood borne pathogens, chemicals, commercial cleaning solvents and oils, confined space entry and / or restricted access, excessive noise, fumes, dust, pesticides or herbicides, radioactive materials, and repetitive motion. Additional hazards directly related to this position include extreme weather conditions, cuts, scraps, bee stings, and insect bites. Must be prepared to receive right-to-know and other training in the identification and handling of hazardous materials including: pesticides, radioactive, chemical and biological.
Department to provide gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, protective eyewear, safety shoes, and respiratory protection are required. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. Individuals in this position must have physical dexterity required for lifting, moving, standing, walking for significant periods of time. Must be physically capable of reaching any area of facilities with tools and materials, including roofs, tunnels, and catwalks; this may involve frequent balance, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, crawling and climbing. Must be able to pass required physical examination. Must be available to work night/weekend shifts and be on call for emergencies.
