Groundskeeper II

Howard County Public School System

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This specializes in groundwork. The individual in this position works independently and receives general supervision from the Manager, Assistant Manager, and Leadsperson of Grounds. This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and requires a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. Work is evaluated periodically.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above.
• Valid Class A, Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement and a good driving record with 2 or less points.
• Certificate from the Department of Agriculture for pesticide application in at least one of the following categories of turf, ornamental or industrial weed.
• Requirement to obtain a Certificate from the Department of Agriculture for Fertilizer Application within 6 months of starting in the position.
• Five (5) years of experience as a groundskeeper including experience in woody plant material and turf grass management.
• Ability to utilize a computer to send/receive emails, type letters, enter work orders and other data entry.
• Ability to pick up, carry and handle tools, materials, and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, climb use arm, and hand movements and reach above shoulders for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Knowledge of stormwater management and bio-retention pond maintenance.
• Working knowledge of transit operations to determine grade for wall construction, drainage, etc.
• Knowledge of the care and maintenance of ornamental plant materials and turf grass.
• Ability to read and comprehend scale drawings for landscape and irrigation plans.
• Ability to calibrate various spray and fertilizing equipment.
• Working knowledge of landscape plant installation, turf and grass management, irrigation installation, and nutrient management.
• Knowledge of the operation of landscape grading and digging equipment including the ability to operate a transit.
• Ability to write reports as to time and materials used.
• Knowledge of safe driving practices and proven safe driving habits by verifying driving records.
• Ability to interact with the general public as well as professional and classified employees of the school system in a pleasant and business-like manner.
• The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
• Possession of a Maryland Class A CDL driver’s license with air brake endorsement and satisfactory driving record with two (2) or less points on your record.
• Current holders of a Commercial Driver’s license must register with, allow background query, and receive clearance from the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
• The person selected for this position must provide a copy of their complete driving record.
• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies.
• This position is classified as “essential” and requires the ability to be on call and respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Individuals in this position are issued an HCPSS mobile phone for these purposes.
• Accepting this position would require that you meet these requirements during your tenure with HCPSS.
• This work may involve exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings such as rain, snow, ice, and other outdoor conditions.
• This work involves exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury.
• Work involves special physical demands such as lifting 80 to 100 pounds or more, climbing ladder, etc.
• This work requires use of protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, mask, etc.
• This position may/will be required to work outside of normal working hours, occasional evening hours and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of two-year certificate program in horticultural, agronomy or turf management is desirable or equivalent training and experience to meet the above requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe, tractor, cultivation equipment, ditch witch, dump truck, and various types of hand tools.
• Assist with leadership of assigned crew and function as Leadman as required.
• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents.
• The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.
• The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation of equipment and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is responsible for correcting and/or reporting any conditions within the building or grounds which may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff members assigned to the building.

Benefits

• Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
• The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.
• HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

What This Job Offers

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