Groundskeeper

Sunny Glen Children's Home Job Description

Job Title: Groundskeeper

Supervisor: Maintenance Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Prepared by: Human Resources Department

Summary

Responsible for the cultivation and care of the landscaping and grounds surrounding the building. Plants flowers, mows, pulls weeds, repairs structures, and maintains outside of building. The Groundskeeper performs semi-skilled work in the maintenance, care, and modification of the grounds and landscapes which includes the operation equipment and machines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs tasks common to the care of grounds and landscapes by seeding, watering, mulching, fertilizing, and applying chemicals to outside plantings, lawns and turf, as well as inside flowers and cuttings used in transplanting; inspecting plant materials for insects, disease, physical and mechanical damage and identifying replacements; transplanting, pruning, trimming, and cultivating trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers; and storing and caring for bulbs and cuttings in the winter season.
• Performs regular and directed grounds and landscape maintenance by mowing lawns with riding or push mowers; trimming and edging around trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, sidewalks, and buildings; weeding, thinning, and cleaning flower beds and other grounds by hand or utilizing proper tools and equipment; and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and cleaning irrigation systems.
• Provides a record of grounds and landscape watering and chemical spraying by keeping daily logs of areas watered and duration of watering and the application of chemicals, including areas sprayed, amount and type of chemicals used, substances sprayed and reason, and the wind speed and direction at time of spraying.
• Performs property-wide general maintenance and repairs by installing, removing, repairing, and maintaining landscape lighting, signs, cables, chains, barricades, gates, feeders, posts, fences.
• Removes unsightly trash and debris from public areas by regularly inspecting grounds, drains, manhole covers, etc., for debris; raking, sweeping, and bagging leaves, debris, dirt and trash from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and transporting the trash to designated central collection points daily.
• Reduces the likelihood for the spread of diseases and unsightly appearance of trash containers in public areas by emptying, cleaning and disinfecting trash receptacles on a regular basis, and removing, repairing, and installing trash receptacles on property on an as needed basis.
• Prepares outdoor locations for use by campus operations and, if applicable, painting and marking athletic fields, moving bleachers, and seating, and erecting portable goals or other athletic equipment.

• Applies chemicals used in groundskeeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) properly and safely by wearing prescribed protective clothing, masks, and/or rubber gloves and boots, following either written or verbal directions for mixing chemical compounds according to
• specifications, applying the chemicals properly on grounds and landscapes designated for their use, and disposing of residual chemical products as directed or storing and labeling them for future use.
• Safely operates light vehicles such as pick-up trucks, tractors, street sweepers or riding mowers and portable power tools and equipment such as saws, grass trimmers, snow/leaf blowers, sprayers, paint machines and other groundskeeping equipment by obeying applicable traffic laws and following operator instructions, and wearing appropriate safety items such as goggles, gloves, or other appropriate protective clothing.
• Ensures that ground maintenance equipment and building maintenance equipment are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment, and machines within reasonable capabilities.
• Replaces and disposes of light bulbs in interior building settings using ladders, lifts, or other tools.
• Performs painting work in the preparation, patching, finishing, and maintaining of building structures, walls, woodwork, furniture, and equipment.
• Performs delivery services by identifying supplies, materials, and equipment to be delivered from invoices or order forms, safely loading items on the delivery vehicle, safeguarding items during transit, delivering items to the correct department, and obtaining the appropriate signature for the receipt of the delivered items.
• Assists with management and accountability of surplus property items by retrieving surplus property items as directed, recording the transfer of accountability for the items, and returning the surplus property items to the warehouse.
• Performs custodial services following established procedures and guidelines in buildings, classrooms, offices, restrooms, etc. including their furnishings, using manual tools and powered machines.
• Performs minor maintenance work using hand and power tools by making carpentry repairs such as nailing down loose boards, or replacing worn or rotten floorboards, performing minor plumbing repairs, and replacing defective electrical switches, light bulbs, fuses, and fluorescent ballasts.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Continuous Learning - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits the ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.

Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.

Problem-Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Cooperation - Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.

Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. The position will integrate Sunny Glens Core Values throughout their day-to-day operations.

Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals.

Conflict Resolution - Encourages open communications; confronts difficult situations; maintains objectivity; keeps emotions under control; uses negotiation skills to resolve conflicts.

Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources.

Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities.

Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation.

Achievement Focus - Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; recognizes and acts on opportunities.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; completes tasks on time or notifies the appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.

Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in the decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Completes work in a timely manner.

Safety and Security - Observe safety and security procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma/GED

Experience: At least two years of experience in groundskeeping is required, where knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, and grasses has been gained; an associate degree in horticulture or a related field may be substituted for the two years of experience required.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Electronic Case Management software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Have a record of tuberculosis screening showing the employee is free of contagious TB.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly exert up to 25 pounds of force (mopping, lifting groceries, moving furniture, cooking, etc.) and occasionally be able to perform a restraint on youth weighing up to 200 lbs. Must be able to frequently maintain visual and auditory supervision of multiple children. The employee must be able to make quick decisions, tolerate frustration and be able to always balance mental toughness with compassion. The employee must be able to multitask.

Work Environment

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee must be able to function in a noisy environment.

Notes

All services shall be provided in accordance with established standards, principles, and ethics of the profession, applicable professional specialty organizations, and the high-quality standard for which Sunny Glen Childrens Home is recognized.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma/GED

Experience: At least two years of experience in groundskeeping is required, where knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers and grasses has been gained; an associate degree in horticulture or a related field may be substituted for the two years of experience required.