Grounds

Southeast Polk Community School District•Pleasant Hill, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds employee ensures that district grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces remain safe, attractive, and functional through equipment operation, seasonal maintenance, and general upkeep. This is a twelve-month position. Hours are listed as 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but hours and schedules may vary based on seasons and outdoor activities. Work is assigned by the Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor or Director of Buildings and Grounds. Salary is determined by negotiated agreement. The position participates in an on-call rotation for after-hours maintenance response, typically up to two weeks per year, and may substitute for building-based custodial absences as directed. The role involves routine grounds care, landscaping, athletic-field preparation, snow and ice removal, equipment and vehicle upkeep, safety inspections, event support, recordkeeping, and related duties. The employee must be able to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with airbrake endorsement, or ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire, including successful completion of required testing and licensing.
Ability to safely operate, or learn to operate, and maintain grounds and snow-removal equipment, including trucks, tractors, mowers, skid-steers, and attachments.
Basic preventive maintenance skills for small engines, power equipment, and vehicles.
Ability to read and follow work orders, safety instructions, and equipment manuals.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations to measure materials, distances, and quantities.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
Ability to recognize and address potential safety or maintenance issues.
Dependability and punctuality, and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
Maintain all licenses and certifications required for assigned duties.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Ability to operate and perform maintenance on motorized equipment and tools.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience operating snow plows, skid-steers, tractors, or other light commercial construction or grounds equipment.
Experience with turf care, landscaping, irrigation systems, tree and shrub maintenance, and athletic-field preparation.
Familiarity with chemical handling and application safety procedures.
Valid State of Iowa 3OT Ornamental and Turf Pest Control applicator’s license.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, seeding, fertilizing, watering, aerating, and weed control.
Maintain landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and flower beds through pruning, mulching, and replacement planting.
Operate and maintain mowers, snow plows, skid-steers, tractors, trimmers, blowers, and related attachments.
Assist with snow and ice removal by operating plows, spreading salt or ice melt, and shoveling manually as needed.
Prepare and maintain athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor activity areas for school and community use.
Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on vehicles and grounds equipment.
Inspect assigned areas regularly to identify hazards or maintenance needs and report them promptly.
Assist with setup and takedown for special events as directed.
Participate in the district’s on-call rotation for after-hours maintenance response, typically up to two weeks per year, and respond promptly to assigned emergency calls.
Substitute for building-based custodial absences as directed.
Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and equipment maintenance.
Follow district safety protocols, including personal protective equipment use and safe chemical handling.
Attend required training and staff meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.