Grounds Worker

Otterbein University•Westerville, OH

56d•Onsite

About The Position

Otterbein University is in search of a Grounds Worker. This position performs skilled work in establishing and maintaining the grounds of the campus including athletic fields. Responsible for layout and striping of athletic fields, snow removal, furniture movement and special set up, and pick-up and delivery service. This is a non-exempt, full-time position working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. Maintaining lawns by planting, cultivating, fertilizing and watering grass, cut grass using hand or power mowers, cultivate, prune, transplant, fertilize and water shrubbery, hedges and tress, grade and prepare soil for planting, plant and maintain flower beds. Maintain University grounds in clean neat condition by removing leaves, fallen branches, and other rubbish from lawns, walks, parking lots and drives. Watch for pests, disease, weeds, and other deteriorating agents and take necessary steps for their eradication. Maintain football field, baseball diamond and other athletic fields by rolling, aerating, trimming, grading, watering and striping as required. Clean, maintain and control tools and equipment assigned to this department. Move and set-up furniture and equipment as required by other University departments. Remove snow from building entrances, walks, parking areas and driveways, including deicing. Supervise and train other grounds workers, unskilled labor and students in accomplishing maintenance of the campus grounds. Assist supervisors in planning and estimating time and material requirements for various projects. Assist other University employees in the performance of duties as required to meet University priorities and as directed. Monitor supplies and in cooperation with supervision insure that proper stock levels of essential materials are maintained. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Possess valid Ohio drivers license
High School graduate; completion of minimum of an Associate's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture preferred; and 5 years of relevant work experience.
Good physical health and strength; ability to lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
Ability to work from ladders and scaffolds.
Availability to respond to call-ins for emergency repairs.
Be self-directing and have supervisory abilities to direct others.
Most possess a strong sense of pride and ownership of work product.
Skilled in proper use and care of hand and power equipment normally used by this trade including but not limited to pruning equipment, push and riding mowers, edging equipment, front end loader and box grader equipped farm tractor, fertilizer application equipment, spray equipment, and snow removal equipment.
Working knowledge of pesticides and fungicides including their selection, application and safety hazards and precautions required. State Pesticide application license required.
Working knowledge of safety practices and precautions and occupational hazards associated with equipment operation, chemical handling and application and lifting and handling heavy furniture.
Working knowledge of method of soil sampling and interpretation of soil analysis to select proper chemicals and application timing to correct deficiencies.
Working knowledge of turf management for installing new turf and maintaining existing turf to include but not limited to selection of various types of grass and their use; mowing, fertilization and watering schedules; identification of weed, fungus and insect damage and selection and application of proper chemical.
Working knowledge of shrubs, trees, and plantings including by not limited to selection of proper variety; proper planting depths and manure, fertilization, identification of diseases and inset problems and selection of proper corrective measures, and proper pruning time and method.
Knowledge of sport field maintenance and operation and proper procedures for marking and striping.
Knowledge of minor cement work and repairs.
Knowledge of snow removal and deicing procedures.

Nice To Haves

completion of minimum of an Associate's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture preferred

Responsibilities

Maintaining lawns by planting, cultivating, fertilizing and watering grass, cut grass using hand or power mowers, cultivate, prune, transplant, fertilize and water shrubbery, hedges and tress, grade and prepare soil for planting, plant and maintain flower beds.
Maintain University grounds in clean neat condition by removing leaves, fallen branches, and other rubbish from lawns, walks, parking lots and drives.
Watch for pests, disease, weeds, and other deteriorating agents and take necessary steps for their eradication.
Maintain football field, baseball diamond and other athletic fields by rolling, aerating, trimming, grading, watering and striping as required.
Clean, maintain and control tools and equipment assigned to this department.
Move and set-up furniture and equipment as required by other University departments.
Remove snow from building entrances, walks, parking areas and driveways, including deicing.
Supervise and train other grounds workers, unskilled labor and students in accomplishing maintenance of the campus grounds.
Assist supervisors in planning and estimating time and material requirements for various projects.
Assist other University employees in the performance of duties as required to meet University priorities and as directed.
Monitor supplies and in cooperation with supervision insure that proper stock levels of essential materials are maintained.
Other duties as assigned.