Groundskeeper I - Parks & Cemetery

This is a full time, Fair Labor Standards Act overtime non-exempt position.  The regular work schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm or 6:30am - 3:00pm. Remote or hybrid work is not available. If the incumbent is on Cemetery assignment, they may be required to work evenings, Saturdays, and holidays to accommodate funeral services. The incumbent in this position is not a civil service employee. This position is eligible for representation through the Teamsters Local 313.

General Purpose: 
The Groundskeeper I is responsible for all facets of Cemetery and Parks grounds maintenance.  The incumbent is also responsible for assisting in all facets of internment and disinterment when on Cemetery assignment.

Supervision Received: 
Work is performed under the direction of a Field Supervisor or Groundskeeper II.  Work performance is evaluated by the quality of work initiated on repair, maintenance, and construction projects, and for the proficiency and safety demonstrated in equipment operation.  As experience is gained, the employee is expected to perform assignments independently. 

Supervision Exercised: 
Supervision is not a normal responsibility in positions of this classification.  

The job duties and responsibilities in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor.  While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty with proficiency.

Parks: 

• Mows and maintains the grounds of the City parks and the designated areas such as the City's entrances, road shoulders, sports complex and City facilities.
• Maintains designated street trees including pruning, planting and removal.
• Maintains park equipment such as swings, Big Toys, slides and similar items.
• Applies proper chemicals and fertilizers for the health of lawns, shrubs and trees.
• Operates equipment to include, but not necessarily limited to: push mowers, tractor mowers, small dump trucks, sweepers, edgers; pruners; chain saws; blowers; weed-eaters; trenchers and sprayers.
• May assist with maintenance and repair on equipment which does not require professional service.
• Perform infield preparation for baseball and softball games.
• May assist with facilities maintenance.
• May assist with maintenance, repair and installation of irrigation systems.

Cemetery:

• Pruning and building maintenance using a ladder.
• Mow, edge, trim, prune and weed eat lawns, flower beds, and memorial markers.
• Fertilize lawns, flowers, plants, shrubs, hedges, and trees as required.
• Operates equipment to include, but not necessarily limited to, backhoe tractor/mowers, litter lifter, chain saws, trimmers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers, sprayers, spray washer and casket lowering device.
• Assists in the maintenance and repairs of the Cemetery water system.
• May assist in the maintenance and repair of Cemetery equipment.
• Set memorials/markers and vases as needed.
• Will perform internment functions to include at least the following:
  • Location of sites by monuments.
  • Assists in excavating burial sites and placing vaults or liners.
  • Sets up required equipment for graveside services and takes down and transports equipment after services.
  • Backfills, replaces sod, and resets memorials / markers after services.
• Will perform Cemetery office functions only in emergency situations.

Facilities: 

• Assist with facilities related projects as needed.

Education and Experience  

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.  
• Experience in construction and/or landscape maintenance including experience in equipment operation.
• Any combination of experience and education or training which would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.

 Necessary Special Qualifications:   

• Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Flagging Certification within six months of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid standard first aid/CPR card within six months of employment .
• Possession of or ability to obtain at least a Class "B" CDL endorsement within two years of employment.
• If necessary, employee may be trained to obtain a Public Operator's license.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of:

• Modern grounds maintenance techniques and procedures.
• General knowledge of building and equipment maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to this type of work.
• The safe operation of power equipment, vehicles and hand tools.

Ability to:

• Perform tasks requiring physical strength and agility.
• Detect needed repairs and make simple adjustments to equipment.
• Work in adverse and disagreeable weather conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, supervisors and the public while on the grounds.
• Provide excellent customer service by using a friendly, professional, accurate and customer orientated approach to a wide variety of customers, including the general public and staff.  This would include both in-person and oral communications.
• Contribute to achieving the Department's Mission.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions and to work independently in the performance of routinely assigned duties.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews and reference check; job related testing may be required.

Background checks will include:

Prior Employment Verification: confirms applicant's employment with the listed companies, including dates of employment, position held and additional information available pertaining to performance rating, reason for departure and eligibility for rehire. This verification will be run on the past three employers or the previous five years, whichever comes first.
Personal and Professional References: calls will be placed to individuals listed as references by the applicant.
Employment Eligibility Verification: Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. 
Educational Verification: confirms the applicant's claimed educational institution, including the years attended and the degree/diploma received.
Criminal History: includes review of criminal convictions and probation. The following factors will be considered for applicants with a criminal history:
The nature of the crime and its relationship to the position. The time since the conviction. The number (if more than one) of convictions. Whether hiring, transferring or promoting the applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees or its customers and vendors.

The following additional background searches will be required if applicable to the position:

Motor Vehicle Records : provides a report on an individual's driving history in the state requested. This search will be run when driving is an essential requirement of the position.
Credit History: confirms candidate's credit history. This search will be run for positions that involve management of City of Sumner funds and/or handling of cash or credit cards.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary : $32 - $35