Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Worker

General Purpose

The Groundskeeper for Idaho Falls Power is responsible for performing grounds maintenance and landscaping duties across all Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber facilities, including power plants, substations, fiber facilities, administration buildings, and parks. This position ensures that all outdoor areas are safe, clean, and visually appealing, contributing to the efficient operation and positive image of Idaho Falls Power.

Essential Functions

May perform all or some of the following:

The Groundskeeper performs routine maintenance of Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber grounds, including mowing, trimming, weed control, and seasonal landscaping tasks. This includes preventative maintenance on outdoor facilities and irrigation systems. The position also involves minor facility repairs such as plumbing, painting, light carpentry, and concrete repair. Additionally, the Groundskeeper prepares grounds for various projects and special events, ensuring they remain clean and hazard-free.

This role requires operating and maintaining landscaping equipment, including hand mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, riding mowers, and snow blowers. It also involves snow and ice removal during winter months, applying de-icing materials, and ensuring safe access to Idaho Falls Power facilities. The Groundskeeper loads and unloads supplies, moves heavy materials, and supervises Temporary Seasonal Laborers in landscape care and general upkeep. Repair and maintenance of irrigation systems are also part of the responsibilities, as well as assisting in warehouse operations when needed.

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the upkeep of public restrooms at outdoor facilities, including parks. Duties include cleaning and sanitizing restrooms, restocking supplies, removing trash, and performing minor plumbing repairs as needed. Ensuring these facilities remain safe, clean, and functional for public use is a key part of the role.

Using a variety of hand and power tools such as shovels, picks, drills, and power washers, the Groundskeeper ensures compliance with all safety protocols while working independently or as part of a team. Seasonal operation of equipment such as pick-up trucks, backhoes, forklift, telehandler or skid steers for snow removal and groundskeeping tasks is required. The Groundskeeper performs other duties as assigned to support the overall maintenance of Idaho Falls Power facilities.

Works safely and collaboratively across the utility in a team-oriented environment.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school. AND

B. Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance of facilities. OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Groundskeeper must have a solid understanding of landscaping, groundskeeping, and facility maintenance techniques, ensuring the proper care and upkeep of Idaho Falls Power properties. Familiarity with the city's geography and Idaho Falls Power facilities is essential for efficient navigation and task completion. Additionally, proficiency in operating and maintaining various hand tools and power equipment is required to perform daily maintenance tasks effectively. Knowledge of horticulture and plant care, including proper planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest control methods, is beneficial in maintaining healthy landscapes. Experience in irrigation system maintenance, including installation, troubleshooting, and repair, is also valuable for ensuring efficient watering of green spaces.

A strong understanding of workplace safety practices and procedures is essential, including the proper handling of chemicals, equipment operation, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The Groundskeeper must also possess excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks efficiently, work independently or as part of a team, and meet deadlines. Record-keeping and reporting abilities are necessary for maintaining maintenance logs and ensuring compliance with city and departmental policies. Additionally, strong customer service skills are essential for interacting professionally with staff and the public, addressing concerns, and ensuring a well-maintained and welcoming environment.

Basic plumbing and electrical knowledge are essential for effectively maintaining Idaho Falls Power properties, ensuring the facilities remain safe, functional, and in good repair. The ability to perform minor plumbing repairs, such as fixing leaks, replacing faucets, repairing toilets, and addressing drainage issues, helps prevent small problems from escalating into costly damage. Similarly, troubleshooting facility-related electrical issues, including replacing outlets, switches, and light fixtures or identifying faulty wiring, ensures reliable operation of lighting, equipment, and security systems. Familiarity with using basic diagnostic tools, such as multimeters and voltage testers, is valuable for identifying and resolving issues efficiently.

3. Required Qualification:

Work Environment

This position demands the ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 80 pounds occasionally. The Groundskeeper must be able to work in all weather conditions and engage in strenuous activities such as walking, standing, stooping, and reaching. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions are crucial for job performance. Additionally, the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public is essential for success in this role.