Groundskeeper F/T

City of Boca Raton • Boca Raton, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper works in the Recreation Services Department, maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of municipal parks, golf courses, buildings, racquet courts, medians, swales, and athletic fields. The role performs intermediate, semi-skilled groundskeeping and maintenance work, including caring for parks and grounds, golf course areas, clay and turf athletic fields, tennis courts, related structures, and equipment. Work is performed under regular supervision, with other related tasks as needed.

Duties vary by assignment. Golf course work may include maintaining greens, tees, and bunkers. Athletic field work may include maintaining and repairing clay and turf surfaces, painting lines, and installing or moving field equipment. Parks assignments may include repairing amenities and assisting with boardwalk, dock, and playground repairs, as well as restroom cleaning. Beautification work may take place in active roadways. Racquet sports work may include maintaining clay courts, setting lines, installing court equipment, and preparing courts for events or general use.

The position also involves inspections, basic repairs, irrigation assistance, equipment cleaning, and the safe, regulation-compliant use of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. Employees may be required to work during emergency operations or special work details if designated essential by the City.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six months of general maintenance experience.
• Valid State of Florida Class E driver's license with no more than six points in a three-year period.
• Must have abstained from cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year before the hire date and must abstain from tobacco use at all times during employment, both on and off duty.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and practices used in parks, grounds, golf course, athletic field, court, and general park-area maintenance.
• General knowledge of groundskeeping equipment and its safe operation, including mowers, tractors, aerators, chainsaws, and small power tools.
• Knowledge of landscaping and horticulture, including plant care, pruning, mowing, weeding, and fertilization.
• Knowledge of safe pest and weed control methods, including relevant laws and safety protocols for applying herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides.
• General knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used for maintenance work and park amenities, as well as standard building-trade materials, equipment, tools, and techniques.
• Awareness of environmental best practices and local, state, and federal regulations governing park and grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety guidelines for public parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, and of custodial cleaning methods, materials, and equipment.
• Skill in operating maintenance equipment and performing preventive maintenance and basic repairs on groundskeeping equipment.
• Ability to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with regulatory guidelines and safety protocols.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, patrons, and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions and use common hand tools and simple machinery.
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks and manual labor outdoors for extended periods in all seasons.
• Ability to acquire new knowledge and skills, communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and the public, and prioritize work and manage time to meet deadlines.
• Ability to meet the stated physical and environmental demands, including frequently or constantly moving between worksites, operating machinery and vehicles, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects of 50 pounds or less.
• Successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment criminal background, employment verification, motor vehicle report, certification/license verification, physical examination, and drug and alcohol screening.

Nice To Haves

• Best Management Practices Certification.
• Fertilizer Applicator's License.

Responsibilities

• Mow, edge, water, and fertilize parks, fields, golf courses, tennis courts, and other green spaces.
• Perform minor repairs and upkeep on park buildings, equipment, and facilities, including grills, tables, benches, and light fixtures.
• Collect trash and litter and ensure waste bins are clean and emptied.
• Plant, mulch, trim, and maintain trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Safely operate and service groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, tractors, and chainsaws.
• Assist team members with tasks, projects, and special events that improve park appearance, function, and safety.
• Inspect playgrounds, boardwalks, docks, and other park areas for potential hazards; complete inspection sheets and related paperwork.
• Remove weeds and apply fertilizers and pest-control products to maintain healthy turf, following applicable regulations and safety protocols.
• Lay sod and apply grass seed, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Depending on assignment, maintain golf course greens, tees, and bunkers.
• Depending on assignment, maintain, level, and repair clay athletic fields; install bases, pitching rubbers, and home plates; move portable pitching mounds; maintain turf and paint field lines.
• Depending on assignment, repair park amenities, gates, and fences; replace light bulbs; assist with carpentry repairs to boardwalks, docks, and playgrounds; and clean and sanitize public restrooms.
• Depending on assignment, perform beautification duties in roadway medians and swales while following safety protocols in active roadways.
• Depending on assignment, maintain, level, and repair clay tennis courts; set lines; install posts, net supports, and nets; and prepare courts for scheduled events, tournaments, or general use.
• Manage drainage and help prevent erosion while handling chemicals and equipment appropriately.
• Apply herbicides and pesticides as needed to control weeds and pests.
• Help install and remove windscreens and ensure they are securely placed.
• Assist with irrigation repairs and wash and clean tools and equipment.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance options, with the City contributing up to 100% of the cost for single coverage under most plans.
• 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and 3 floating holidays.
• Annual Continuous Service Benefit payout after five years of service.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Two pension/retirement options.

What This Job Offers

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