Groundsman II

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind•Talladega, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Groundsman II is a skilled maintenance professional responsible for preserving the safety, functionality, and appearance of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind's campuses through comprehensive grounds maintenance, landscaping, and outdoor facility support. This position performs a wide range of landscape maintenance duties, including mowing, trimming, planting, pruning, irrigation support, equipment operation, and seasonal grounds care, while ensuring all campus grounds reflect AIDB's commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment. Working under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor or designated Physical Plant leadership, the Groundsman II independently completes assigned work orders and maintenance projects with minimal supervision. The position requires the safe operation of commercial grounds maintenance equipment, adherence to established safety standards, and the flexibility to support special events, campus improvement projects, emergency response efforts, and other Physical Plant operations as needed. The Groundsman II plays an essential role in supporting AIDB's educational, residential, and administrative facilities by ensuring outdoor spaces remain clean, attractive, accessible, and functional for students, employees, visitors, and the communities AIDB serves.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Valid Driver License with an acceptable driving record that meets AIDB vehicle insurance requirements.
Must meet suitability requirements for employment.
General knowledge of grounds maintenance principles and landscaping practices.
Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment and hand tools.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical ability to perform strenuous manual labor in various weather conditions.
Employees are expected to develop effective communication skills with individuals served by obtaining a minimum SURVIVAL level of sign language proficiency within thirty-six (36) months of employment.
Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, or a related field.
Formal training in landscaping, horticulture, turf management, or grounds maintenance.
Experience operating commercial landscaping equipment, tractors, and using irrigation systems and landscape maintenance practices.
Knowledge of Alabama plant materials, turf grasses, and seasonal landscaping practices.

Responsibilities

Maintain campus lawns through mowing, edging, trimming, weed control, and operating string trimmers, push mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers.
Perform seasonal lawn care including fertilization, aeration, over seeding, and debris removal.
Maintain landscaped areas by planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, and replacing flowers, shrubs, trees, and ornamental plants.
Trim, prune, and shape shrubs, hedges, and small trees to maintain healthy growth and appearance; remove dead or hazardous trees, limbs, and vegetation as directed.
Assist with irrigation system inspections, repairs, and watering schedules; remove leaves, sticks, litter, and debris from grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, and common areas.
Maintain athletic fields, recreational areas, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Safely operate weed eaters, push/riding mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws (when properly trained), pressure washers, and other light/heavy grounds equipment as authorized.
Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance on equipment, reporting malfunctions promptly.
Clean and properly store tools and equipment after use.
Assist with campus moves involving furniture and supplies, and set up/remove tables, chairs, tents, and equipment for campus events.
Install signage, fencing, and outdoor fixtures; assist other Physical Plant trades during maintenance or special projects.
Support emergency response activities, including storm cleanup, debris removal, and clearing snow, ice, or weather-related hazards.
Follow all AIDB safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain safe work areas, and properly secure equipment.
Safely handle fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and landscaping materials per applicable regulations.
Practice safe lifting techniques and proper equipment operation, reporting hazardous conditions affecting campus safety promptly.
Complete work orders accurately, communicate effectively with personnel, maintain a professional appearance, and perform other duties as assigned.