Grounds Lead Worker

University of Mary Washington • Fredericksburg, VA

2d • $35,012 - $37,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Known for its exceptional urban canopy and landscape, UMW Lead Groundskeepers will lead and perform general landscape and grounds maintenance duties on the UMW Campuses and other university holdings. This position will be a working crew member, coordinating with supervisors daily for projects and tasks. You will maintain designated campus turf and landscape areas, strive for a safe workplace and ensure that assigned equipment is safely and efficiently used and maintained.

Functioning independently or with a crew, Lead Groundskeepers:
utilize gas-powered or battery-powered equipment, trim, blow, clean up and transport leaves, tree limbs, mulch, debris, etc.
address frequent service calls and emergencies such a spill, animal issues or asphalt patching.
while working, monitor the campus daily, promptly reporting unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment or facilities to management.
safely operate Z-turn mowers, tractors and other equipment: hand and self-propelled machines and tools including string trimmers, walk-behind mowers, blowers, snow blowers, plows, sanders, digging bars, rakes and shovels to achieve required sustainable landscape standards.
support litter and recycling collection during the week and special events.
understand and demonstrate safe operation, storage and basic maintenance of vehicles, tools and equipment.
wear appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

This position has been deemed essential as defined in Policy No. 1.04 of the Department of Personnel and Training Policies and Procedures Manual. This position is designated to report to UMW during emergencies or when the University closes during uncertain weather conditions.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of species of turf, woody and herbaceous plant material or strong desire to learn.
• Ability to follow and perform extensive and complex oral and written instructions in English.
• Understanding and use of basic office/computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet).
• Proven ability to coordinate with other crew members or act independently and make safe, informed decisions.
• Experience in commercial/professional grounds keeping or directly related work.
• Experience in the operation of a wide range of commercial power grounds maintenance equipment.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License to operate a University/state owned or leased vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of and experience with identification of ornamental pests and disruptions to healthy growth.
• Knowledge and experience with horticultural pesticide application.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• VDACS Pesticide Applicators certificate and respirator certification or ability to become certified within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Utilize gas-powered or battery-powered equipment, trim, blow, clean up and transport leaves, tree limbs, mulch, debris, etc.
• Address frequent service calls and emergencies such as spills, animal issues, or asphalt patching.
• Monitor the campus daily, promptly reporting unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment, or facilities to management.
• Safely operate Z-turn mowers, tractors, and other equipment: hand and self-propelled machines and tools including string trimmers, walk-behind mowers, blowers, snow blowers, plows, sanders, digging bars, rakes, and shovels to achieve required sustainable landscape standards.
• Support litter and recycling collection during the week and special events.
• Understand and demonstrate safe operation, storage, and basic maintenance of vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Wear appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED