Groundskeeper

Town of Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper maintains the landscapes and grounds of Town facilities, rights of way, parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, athletic fields, and cemeteries. Depending on assignment, the position may focus on athletic facility and greenway maintenance, right-of-way maintenance, or regular parks maintenance. Specialist Certified positions represent progression after an employee obtains the relevant certification(s). The position has no responsibility for directing or supervising others.

The employee works outdoors in all weather conditions and may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, irritating chemicals, machinery with moving parts, and heavy traffic. Protective equipment may include chaps, hard hats, eyewear, masks, gloves, and goggles. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping; frequently lifting light and heavy objects; climbing ladders; and using tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. The employee must be able to lift 50 pounds and distinguish between shades of color.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. One year of experience is preferred. A valid North Carolina driver’s license and private transportation, or the ability to provide transportation between job sites, are required. The selected candidate may be required to obtain a North Carolina pesticide license within six months of hire. Specialist certifications include a pesticide license and Playground Inspector certification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Private transportation or ability to provide transportation between job sites.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and distinguish between shades of color.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and use required protective devices.
• Knowledge of current landscaping practices, grounds-maintenance techniques, relevant Town ordinances and policies, landscape equipment use and maintenance, safe pesticide and fertilizer application, safe work-zone and right-of-way practices, and the use of ropes, pulleys, lowering equipment, woodchippers, winch lines, chainsaws, trimmers, and landscape tools in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Ability to operate riding and push mowers, line trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and leaf vacuums; use shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, hedge trimmers, and pruning shears; and apply best management practices for pruning, mulching, and maintaining trees and shrubs.
• Basic map-reading and computer-operation skills, including use of web-based software and Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools.
• Ability to solve problems, make sound decisions, build effective working relationships, communicate orally and in writing, and model behavior consistent with the Town’s RESPECT values.
• Subject to random drug testing while on the job and the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of one year of experience is preferred.
• Pesticide license and Playground Inspector certification for Specialist Certified positions.

Responsibilities

• Work with the assigned crew to mow, edge, string trim, blow, remove debris, and prune trees and vegetation at Town rights of way, Downtown, and Parks & Recreation facilities.
• Maintain Town rights of way, parks, and other grounds and facilities.
• Set up, monitor, and adjust irrigation systems and make minor repairs.
• Assist with special-event setup, storm-damage cleanup, snow and ice removal, leaf removal, and mulch spreading.
• Maintain turf and plantings by mowing, string trimming, edging, watering, fertilizing, aerating, pruning, blowing leaves, and mulching.
• Operate equipment and perform equipment maintenance, including checking fluids and pressure, greasing moving parts, sharpening blades, and cleaning equipment.
• Operate and drive trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, and mowers.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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