Groundskeeper, Landscape Construction

Penn State University•Benner Township, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is searching for a full time Groundskeeper, Landscape Construction - Grade 6 to join the team. This role involves installing landscape construction projects and plantings, constructing and repairing hardscape structures, preparing landscapes for construction, establishing grades, mixing concrete, installing and maintaining irrigation equipment, mixing and applying compost and mulch, operating various vehicles and equipment, performing basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment, setting up safety equipment, performing lawn care and pest control, planting and cultivating plants, removing debris and graffiti, and removing snow and ice. The position also requires maintaining tools and equipment, and coordinating with other trades and contractors.

Requirements

Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including decimals and fractions; simple use of formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams, together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments, graduates and the like requiring interpretation in their various applications; or the posting, preparation, interpretation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data.
Requires a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver`s License Class A with Endorsement N and a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification with Categories 6 and 7.
Over 1 year up to and including 2 years of effective experience.
Requires a valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Install landscape construction projects and landscape plantings according to specifications, plans, and designs as directed by Lead or Supervisor
Construct, install, erect, remove, repair, and or replace decorative or functional hardscape structures such as rockwork, ponds, patios, walkways, steps, fences, planters, edging, erosion control, swales and similar drainage projects
Prepare the landscape for construction projects; clear obstructions including bike racks, benches, posts, signs, fences, trees, plants, etc.; grind stumps; remove, grade, tamp, roll, and compact soil; install mats, rock, gravel, and other materials; replant, repair, reinstall, and otherwise return to pre-construction condition as directed
Establish sub-grades and finish grades for landscape construction projects, lawns, and planting beds
Mix concrete for patchwork and minor masonry repairs; form and pour small concrete pads for memorial plaques, bench pads, signposts, etc.; position and dismantle forms
Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and adjust basic irrigation equipment including sprinkler heads and waterlines; prepare equipment for seasonal changes
Mix compost and mulch materials using provided recipes; apply water as instructed
Operate various vehicles and equipment including but not limited to trucks, tractors, high-lift, backhoe, skid-steer loader, wheel loader, mixer, mini-excavator, tree spade, hydroseeder, mowers, spreaders, landscape trailers, and other landscape and light construction equipment
Load and unload equipment on truck or trailer; transport equipment to job site; attach and detach equipment accessories
Perform basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as adjust, clean, oil, grease, inspect water level, anti-freeze, and air pressure of tires; repair and adjust equipment as required
Set up safety equipment and barriers around work zone
Cut, trim, fertilize, spray, aerate, roll, seed, re-seed, and water lawns; control pests using various acceptable methods
Plant, transplant, prune, weed, feed, spray, and cultivate perennials and other flowers, trees, and shrubs according to specifications
Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, paper, spoil, cinders, and rubbish from walks, roads, curbs, parking lots, lawns, and other University property; remove paint and other materials defacing the exterior of University property
Remove snow and ice from roads, parking lots, walks, shrubs, trees, etc.; apply deicing material
Maintain tools, equipment, and work area in a clean and orderly condition; report repair needs or unusual conditions to Supervisor or Lead
Coordinate with trades, equipment operators, and contractors in the field as required