Definition

The employee performs skilled work and supervises skilled workers in the improvement of school grounds and the repair/operation of grounds equipment such as mowers, backhoes/loaders, weed eaters, etc. Employee in this class serves as a crew chief in providing direction to crewmembers. This employee performs a variety of skilled tasks to ensure the beautification of landscaped areas and open spaces, and to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the public. Work is supervised by the Grounds Foreman and reviewed through inspections, observations, work orders, and completed projects/tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Supervises, coordinates, and inspects the work of the Grounds Crew.
• Cut and remove trees, fix damage to yard.
• Repair property damaged by buses.
• Remove and clean up playground equipment.
• Repair drain lines and fill in sinkholes on school property.
• Fill potholes on parking lots with gravel or asphalt patch.
• Clear away debris around cameras for security.
•  Move and operate heavy equipment.
• Deliver lawn equipment for repairs.
• Perform regular maintenance on equipment so it performs at its best.
• Fix and repair fences and gates.
• Fix flag poles by replacing the rope and tattered flags.
• Problem solves jobs to prepare for tasks.
• Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of grounds maintenance.
• General knowledge of the occupational hazards of grounds maintenance work and the associated safety precautions.
• Ability to develop and implement work schedules.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, assign, coordinate, and direct the work of employees.
• Ability to supervise and participate in the maintenance and repair of tractors, and other equipment used in grounds maintenance.
• Working knowledge and operation of the tools and equipment used in the functions assigned.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and related safety precautions of the work and application of all personal protection equipment.
• Skilled in the use and care of tools and equipment necessary to perform the work.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Understand drawings and diagrams for assigned tasks.
• Ability to operate vehicles safely.
• Ability to maintain routine records.
• Ability to communicate effectively to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others.
• Ability to read and understand service and operating manuals.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or GED.
• Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years of work experience related to the skill or trade assigned; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in the supervision of other skilled employees.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate required equipment and motor vehicles, use measurement devices, and inspect work for accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to work standards and instructions.
• Completes some work on-site necessitating being physically able to work off ladders or lifts under prevailing environmental conditions.

Work is subject to outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, noise; hazards associated with maintenance and equipment operations.

Special Requirement

This employee must possess or be able to obtain and hold an appropriate North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License for the weight and “Type of Vehicles Operated” as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Employees are governed by Gaston County Schools Policy Code(s): 6335/7270/7260, Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace, which spells out specific drug testing requirements, procedures, and consequences of positive alcohol or drug tests or arrest for alleged violation of any alcohol or drug-related offenses.

This employee must be able to obtain additional certifications/licenses including but not limited to: Pesticide Applicator License.

Some occasional overtime and weekend work may be required, depending on workload or work requests.

Some occasional emergency response work may be required.

Maintain CDL or Class “A” license

This Position Reports Directly to: Grounds Foreman 

Classification:Non-Exempt

Salary: Entry Level Grade HOUR12.58

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

If offered a position, prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test.