GROUNDSKEEPER

CHILDRENS HOME ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS•Peoria, IL

13d•$18 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the year-round appearance and upkeep of the grounds at all agency properties, including campuses, program sites, and residential homes. The grounds are the first thing clients, families, staff, and visitors see, and the Groundskeeper's work directly supports a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for environment. During the growing season, duties center on landscape bed maintenance, care of new plantings, and regular grounds policing. During the winter months, the Groundskeeper provides snow and ice removal and completes maintenance tasks assigned by the Facilities Manager, ensuring a full and productive workload throughout the year. The Groundskeeper must be willing to take a great deal of direction from the Facilities Manager and be flexible around schedules and duties.

Requirements

Must be able to read written instructions
Must be able to communicate well in writing or speaking
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
Ability to stand and walk for most of the working day
Physical body dexterity allows bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, etc. when performing grounds and maintenance tasks
Ability to work outdoors in various temperatures and seasonal conditions, including summer heat and winter cold
Personal vehicle, valid Illinois Driver's License, and proof of full insurance coverage

Nice To Haves

High school education preferred
Previous grounds care, landscaping, or horticulture experience and/or specialized training preferred
Illinois pesticide applicator license a plus, but not required
Continues to expand knowledge of techniques through formal training and on the job learning from the Facilities Manager and other Maintenance staff

Responsibilities

Maintains landscape beds, including weeding, mulching, pruning, and seasonal cleanup
Waters and cares for new plantings and landscape installations to ensure their establishment and long-term health
Polices all grounds on a consistent schedule, removing litter, debris, and fallen branches to maintain a clean, welcoming appearance for clients, staff, and visitors
Empties exterior trash and keeps building entrances, walkways, and signage areas clean, including pressure washing as needed
Inspects and maintains playgrounds and outdoor amenities, including raking play surfaces and upkeep of outdoor furniture and fencing
Waters and stakes young trees, reports hazardous limbs, controls weeds in pavement cracks and hardscapes, and keeps storm drains and gutters clear
Monitors the work of mowing, lawn treatment, and irrigation vendors and reports quality issues or needed repairs to the Facilities Manager for follow-up
Performs leaf removal and prepares grounds and equipment for seasonal transitions
Provides snow and ice removal for walkways, entrances, and parking areas during winter months
Completes assigned maintenance and preventative maintenance tasks during the winter season and other slow periods, as directed by the Facilities Manager
Inspects grounds, walkways, and parking areas regularly and reports safety hazards, such as trip hazards or drainage problems, immediately to a supervisor
Maintains grounds equipment, tools, and supplies and reports any shortages or repair needs immediately to the Facilities Manager
Follows all required safe working practices when dealing with equipment and chemicals
Assists with setup and teardown for outdoor agency events and site visits
Assists the maintenance team and on-site contractors as needed
Is continuously productive, seeking out additional tasks during any slow times
Responds to all duties as assigned by the Facilities Manager or Maintenance Lead