Grounds Keeper

Ysleta Independent School District•El Paso, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Keeper performs grounds maintenance, conservation, and improvement work as part of a grounds crew. Under supervision, the position cares for trees, shrubs, grass, and other plants by planting, transplanting, removing, pruning, fertilizing, and carrying out vegetation control in accordance with established priorities and policies. Duties involve moderate individual analysis and judgment, adherence to applicable laws and district policies, and referral of problems or major decisions to a supervisor. The role requires operating and caring for grounds-maintenance tools, equipment, machinery, and, if assigned, a district vehicle. The employee follows safety procedures, keeps equipment and work areas orderly, assists coworkers with safe equipment use, and applies pesticides and herbicides after training. Attendance at the work site is required. The position also participates in required professional development and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions.
Ability to read and understand instructions related to grounds maintenance and safety procedures.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Valid Texas or New Mexico driver's license.
Must be insurable by the district's auto liability carrier.
Subject to the YISD drug and alcohol testing policy and regulation.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or put up to 50 pounds frequently.
Ability to work in all weather conditions and adapt to shift schedules and/or hours other than those regularly assigned.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, kneel, stoop, climb, and perform heavy lifting and carrying for extended periods.
Ability to climb ladders up to 8 feet unassisted and higher with assistance.
Ability to work with pesticides, herbicides, and other potentially hazardous materials safely.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in grounds maintenance or related duties.

Responsibilities

Perform groundskeeping duties as part of a crew under the direction of an assigned supervisor, referring unresolved problems to the immediate supervisor.
Mow, rake, fertilize, trim, and edge grass and trees.
Dig with picks and shovels and backfill excavations.
Maintain the appearance and health of plants, grass, shrubs, and flowers at assigned district locations.
Care for trees and shrubs, including planting, transplanting, removing, pruning, and fertilizing, and participate in vegetation control.
Maintain an assigned district vehicle and its inventory; care for materials, tools, and equipment, make adjustments, use safe operating procedures, request required maintenance and inspections, and keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and orderly.
Assist other employees with proper tool, equipment, and machinery use, including safety procedures.
Follow safety practices to prevent damage to buildings, utilities, and other property.
Load and unload tools and materials and operate grounds-maintenance tools and machinery, including pruning equipment, jackhammers, wheelbarrows, trenching machines, and push and riding lawn mowers.
Perform heavy manual work, including spreading topsoil and fertilizer and planting or transplanting lawns, shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds.
Apply chemicals after training in the safe application of pesticides and herbicides.
Cooperate with coworkers and routinely report necessary information to the immediate supervisor.
Make decisions under general supervision within established priorities and policies, referring major decisions to a supervisor.
Attend the work site as required to perform essential job functions.
Participate in professional development activities as required by the district.
Follow safety procedures and techniques, support district and department goals, maintain a professional code of ethics, and perform other duties as assigned.