Groundskeeper III

City of Grand Rapids•1500 Scribner Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to act as a lead worker over city cemetery activities, including the proper implementation of whole body and cremation interments; installation of markers, marker foundations, and monument foundations; scheduling customer service appointments for grave sales and providing assistance in locating graves; and coordinating grave maintenance activities. In addition to these duties, the Groundskeeper III should also be able to maintain turf in parks and other areas by applying fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. Repairs damaged areas by ordering and laying sod. Operates and maintains irrigation systems; sets timers for irrigation systems; checks for leaks, changes and adjusts sprinkler heads; makes minor repairs to irrigation systems. This posting is intended to fill a position within the Cemeteries division of Parks and Recreation. If you are not selected for this position, you will remain on an eligible list for future openings in this or other divisions. This eligible list will remain active for a period of six (6) months.

Requirements

High School diploma
Five (5) years of experience in grounds keeping activities, including the use of pesticides
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
At time of hire: Class “A” Commercial driver’s license (CDL) with air brake endorsement
Backhoe trained
Within six (6) months of hire: Tractor/mower trained
Bobcat trained
Forklift trained

Nice To Haves

Pesticide Applicator Certification in Category, 3A, 3B, and 6

Responsibilities

Supervises the work of seasonal maintenance employees; participates in and delegates work assignments
Maintains cemeteries and other grounds by cutting grass, watering, fertilizing, checking for disease and insect damage; trims trees and shrubs; maintains flower beds; applies herbicides as directed
Operates water spigot system; regulates valves, checks for leaks, adjusts pressure hands; waters as needed; researches and orders parts
Digs and fills graves; sets up and takes down tents chairs and other equipment for burial services
Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and facilities fixtures and infrastructure
Picks up trash and debris
Operates a variety of standard power tools and equipment in grounds maintenance and repair activities on a regular basis
Enforces cemetery rules, as needed; answers inquiries from the public
Paints and makes repairs to playground equipment; prepares athletic fields, courts and trails; repairs and paints picnic tables, park buildings, fences, rails and the like; performs custodial duties in park facilities
Cleans, paints and disinfects swimming pools
Makes cost estimates for grounds improvements; provides advice on the purchase of landscaping and maintenance materials
Maintains records; sells plots; collects fees
Performs related work as required

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
Twelve Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation and Sick Time
Paid Parking (if applicable)
Employee Home Ownership Incentive
Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
Employee Discounts and Perks