Grounds Technician

Fountain Valley School, a selective and diverse boarding school, educates 250 students in grades 9–12 on a beautiful 1,100-acre campus in Colorado Springs, CO. Founded in 1930, the school provides a rigorous, global curriculum in academics, arts, athletics and the outdoors.

The Opportunity

The position of grounds tech works with the grounds department to maintain and repair irrigation systems, observe irrigation performance by observation of turf and plant material conditions, and implement corrective action for over-watering or lack of watering and report problems to the grounds department. The grounds technician will have extensive use mowers, snow shovels, blowers, UTV’s, and string trimmers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensure cleanliness, safety and security of buildings and grounds.
• Keep grounds free of debris, walkways clean and free of ice and snow.
• Maintain a safe storage area for supplies and equipment.
• Responds and actively participates in all phases of emergency cleanup to include snow removal, storm damage, and vandalism.
• Performs tasks necessary to ensure a safe, clean and pleasant environment for students, families and faculty, as well as our co-workers.
• Ensure that sidewalks, interior campus pathways, and roads are free of debris and outside trash receptacles are empty.
• Exterior of campus weekly trash runs.
• Operate facility mowing/grounds equipment properly to include any vehicle.
• Lawn mowing functions include cutting natural grass, manicured grass and some steep slopes.
• Planting, weeding (a must), cultivating and spreading mulch in landscaped areas.
• Prepare ground for any newly added irrigation, planting, fencing, landscaping.
• Trim and prune shrubs, trees, and flowers.
• Shovel, blow or plow snow from walkways, entrances and streets- then cleanup all the sand and salt that was put down.
• Ensure safety during inclement weather for students, families, faculty and visitors.
• Run errands if necessary.
• Assist with setting up for special events and meetings.
• Remain alert to the safety and welfare needs of students.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of building operations as applied to the requirements of a school.
• Knowledge of the transportation area includes buses, cars, trucks, etc.
• Knowledge of grounds, irrigation systems, maintenance and repairs.
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid Colorado driver’s license
• At least one year; experience in a related field

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Demands: Able to sit, stand and frequently lift equipment and materials weighing 100 pounds or more, crawl, climb ladders, twist, turn and reach in completing a variety of job duties.
• Work outside in hot or cold conditions for extended periods of time.
• The work requires the ability to communicate quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Work in a wide variety of environments as found in all areas of the school. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors. Able to operate vehicles and machines. Occasional weekend and/or weeknight obligations.
• Working Relationships: Students, parents, admission personnel and all other FVS employees

Salary: $18.00 to $19.00, based on experience

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, EAP, Gym, Pool and Trail Usage

Application Deadline: March 7, 2025