Grounds Specialist

Colby College•Colby, KS

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Colby’s campus comprises 714 acres including a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields. Most of Mayflower Hill, including all of the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, is a State Wildlife Management Area. Johnson Pond, the Campbell Trails for running and cross-country skiing, a student-run organic garden, and vast areas of wide-open space provide reasons to enjoy Colby’s campus year-round. The grounds specialist position will perform the tasks necessary to maintain the College grounds, support campus events, perform moving, and set-ups as required. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience working in similar ground positions is strongly desired
Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as to adjust as new projects are assigned
Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community
Solid communication skills in order to work collaboratively with members of a diverse community and to provide excellent customer service
Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements
Ability to work outdoors for 8 hours a day and more during a weather event
Ability to be exposed to nature’s elements – sun, wind, rain, and snow, temperature extremes
Ability to communicate effectively written and verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations

Nice To Haves

Professional coursework or post-secondary education are a plus
Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases
Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule
Prior experience in using equipment, including but not limited to: Aerial lifts, chipper, chipper truck, pickup truck, hauling equipment, utility vehicle, stump grinder, chain saw, pole saw, hand saw, pruner, skid steer, personal protective equipment, blower, fertilizer, pesticides
Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment, etc.

Responsibilities

Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal.
Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new plantings, mulching, signage, and other small projects.
Set up facilities for college events and provide necessary support.
Move furniture and other materials on campus and within the local area.
Perform work, as assigned, to properly maintain athletic facilities including the lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations.
Complete manual tasks as required to meet the needs of the College, such as digging, shoveling, lifting, pushing, and similar tasks requiring physical labor.
Properly and safely operate grounds department equipment, as assigned by the supervisor, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat.
Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground’s equipment.
Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditions.
Oversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to college standards.
Properly and safely operate all handheld equipment including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc.
Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury to self and others to prevent damage to any material, equipment, or property, and to follow all prescribed safety rules and procedures.
Safely operate tools and equipment necessary to perform job duties.
Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnel.
Communicate effectively and personably with a diverse community of people.
Follow all safety rules and procedures.
Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
Independently respond to work order and requests.
Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.