Groundskeeper I

American University•Washington, DC

1d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. The Groundskeeper performs grounds maintenance, including planting, mulching, weeding, servicing outdoor trash receptacles, and removal of litter. They work to ensure the success of the campus waste and materials management programs, which entails the collection of recycling, compost, trash, and other materials throughout campus. When needed, they assist in performing small office moves, setups for university functions, and facilitating the storage and redistribution of durable goods. They also engage in snow and ice removal, campus clean up, hardscape maintenance, and operate small grounds equipment. The Groundskeeper typically works within assigned zone. However, the incumbent may be assigned to assist with work within and outside unit.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
1-3 years of relevant experience (e.g. landscaping, recycling/waste management, exterior cleaning, warehouse, construction).
Valid and clean driver’s license.
Knowledge of work methods, equipment, and procedures to assure health and safety standards and precautions are applied to work performed.
Ability to obtain authorization to operate a university vehicle.
Strong knowledge of recycling practices, standards, and operations.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. and capacity to work in seasonal weather conditions.
Self-direction and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or equivalent.
Course work in horticulture, sustainability, environmental management.
Experience with recycling, composting, and landfill diversion operations.
Experience working with students.
Ability to obtain pesticide certification.
Knowledge of proper planting and pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.

Responsibilities

Weeds, cleans and mulches planting beds, practices integrated pest management, applies compost and fertilizers, cultivates soil, plants, and prunes to ensure a neat clean bed appearance.
Rakes and grades lawn areas in preparation of seeding or sodding. Assists with leaf removal operations, athletic field work, landscape projects, and other assigned tasks as required to ensure efficient accomplishment of the workload.
Removes trash, recycling, compost, and cardboard from designated sites and disposes of those materials into their properly specified compactors. Checks and empties outdoor trash and recycling bins. Performs policing of assigned area for litter to ensure cleanliness of assigned zone.
Sweeps sidewalks, courtyards, and walkway using hand or power equipment.
Operates equipment including power mowers, sweepers, edgers, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, weed trimmers, power washers, etc., to accomplish required grounds and facilities maintenance tasks.
Aids in performing intercampus moves and supports campus events, including moving furniture and setting out tables, chairs, and collapsible waste bins. Assists in transportation and storage of other materials, including durable goods for reuse and specialty waste streams like electronic waste.
Performs snow and ice removal and applies deicing materials to ensure the safety of public areas for the university community.