What are the responsibilities and job description for the Groundskeeper position at Lewis & Clark?
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Working at Lewis & Clark College
The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive
benefits package
that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.
Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Groundskeeper within the Facilities Management Department reports directly to the Director of Facilities Support Services. This role is primarily responsible for maintaining and improving campus grounds by planting, fertilizing, pruning, managing debris, renovating turf areas, repairing irrigation systems, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong horticultural knowledge, skill in operating power tools and equipment, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at performing physical tasks in adverse weather conditions, maintaining tools and machinery, and adhering to OSHA safety standards.
TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 305 - This position is represented by the Lewis & Clark College Teamsters Local Union No. 305 (Affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Plants, transplants, cultivates, and prunes: trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and herbaceous perennials and annuals.
- Installs, renovates, and maintains turf areas: mowing, edging, seeding, aerating, topdressing.
- Builds soil fertility in both turf areas and shrub beds: cultivating nitrogen-fixing plants, amending with compost, agricultural lime, and fertilizers.
- Manages weeds and other landscape pests using IPM principles: cultural, physical, mechanical, and chemical methods.
- Installs, maintains, and repairs automatic irrigation systems: main-lines and laterals; heads and nozzles; controllers, valves, and wiring. Manually irrigates as necessary.
- Installs, maintains, and repairs surface drainage systems: stormwater infiltration basins, conveyances, and outfalls; clears minor catch basin obstructions.
- Removes trash and litter.
- Clears leaves, debris, ice, and snow from travel areas.
- Prepares athletic facilities for practices, competitions, and special events: blowing, grooming (brushing, aerifying, raking, sweeping), minor seam and track repairs.
- Skillfully and safely operates hand tools (shovels, loppers, shears, saws, hoes, rakes, axes, etc.), and power tools (chain saws, trimmers, mowers, aerifiers, groomers, tractors, forklifts, mobile elevated work platforms, etc.) necessary to complete assigned tasks.
- Keeps an accurate record of labor, material, and equipment costs on each job assigned. Performs other duties as assigned (may be under adverse or emergency conditions).
- Requires the use of proper PPE including but not limited to: safety glasses and face shields, ear plugs or muffs, gloves, chainsaw chaps, traction devices, sun protection, dust masks and respirators, etc.
- Requires meeting all applicable OSHA requirements per policy, procedures, and practices including but not limited to medical clearance, blood-borne pathogens, extreme heat and wildfire smoke, lockout/tagout, ladder safety, fall protection, forklift and lift operator certification, confined spaces, hazard communication standards, respirator fit testing and proper usage, etc.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS
- Sound basic knowledge of ornamental horticulture and skill in the performance of a wide variety of gardening tasks.
- Knowledge of use and care of hand tools and power equipment. Skill in operation of tractors larger than 30 HP (preferred).
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work productively with limited oversight.
- Basic knowledge of email and computerized maintenance management systems. Ability to read, write, and speak the English language.
- Ability to perform physical tasks required to carry out the job responsibilities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license with eligibility to meet insurance criteria for driving College vehicles.
- Current Oregon Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License, or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
- One year of professional experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or related work.
PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and meet insurance criteria to drive College vehicles.
- Must possess a current Oregon Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator’s license within six months after hire.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Full Time
- 37.5 hours/week, work outside of usual business hours may be required
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- Primary Work Location: On-site
PAY RATE
- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
- Pursuant to the Teamsters Local 305 Collective Bargaining Agreement, this position starts at an hourly wage rate of $27.58.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to work in a stooped, kneeling, crouched, or squatting position continuously.
- Must be able to work with arms extended or in front and supporting the weight of eight pounds continuously.
- Must be able to dig ditches and shovel snow continuously.
- Must be able to lift and carry a fifty-pound weight repetitively over one-half hour periods. Must be able to lift and carry a twenty-five pound weight repetitively and continuously.
- Must be able to climb and work with tools from an 8-foot ladder.
- Must be able to manipulate effectively the tools and equipment use in grounds tasks.
The word continuously above means that the work may be carried out over consecutive eight-hour shifts with two one-half hour breaks during each shift. Workers working under the conditions described in one and two above are expected to vary their positions frequently or to pause frequently to stretch in order to avoid fatigue and injury.
Directions for Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.
Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators
(
https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance
).
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
Background Check
Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.
Eligibility to Work
In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.
Salary : $28
