GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER classifications are comprised of two progressive classifications that provide for plant, tree, lawn and grounds care on OUS campuses and properties. Individual position responsibilities and their associated skill requirements are defined in individual position descriptions. Both levels participate in maintaining a clean, attractive, well-landscaped appearance and safe environment to the grounds of and around OUS campus buildings and properties such as parking lots, athletic fields, lawn and recreation areas.

NATURE OF WORK: These positions require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location, the willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather and includes use of pesticides and work from ladders, and the willingness to walk, stand, and work from a bending position for extended periods of time. There are two levels of Grounds Maintenance Workers.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first of the two-level series. Positions at this level have the responsibility to perform a full array of general grounds maintenance activities. They may work in a team setting or independently, and may plan daily work assignments for themselves and assigned student worker(s). These positions have responsibility to carry out assignments without direct supervision.

This class is distinguished from level two by absence of responsibility for planning and coordinating the work of classified staff in the completion of assignments; or applying expertise in a horticultural specialty that is utilized campus-wide; or responsibility for landscape/maintenance program planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Allocation of work may vary by position and will include one or a combination of duties and tasks listed.

1. Typical tasks: mows and edges lawns and fields with use of push and riding lawnmowers, tractors, and power edgers; plants, transplants, fertilizes, and waters lawns, shrubs, bedding plants, ground cover, and trees with tools such as hoes, trowels, and shovels; cuts, trims, and prunes trees, shrubs, bedding plants, and ground cover with use of hand or power tools; eradicates weeds using both manual and mechanical methods such as: pulling, tilling, or using line trimmers; prevents weeds by mulching; calibrates, mixes and applies pesticides and herbicides according to manufacturer's instructions; installs irrigation and sprinkler systems by digging trenches by hand or with a tractor, lays and connects pipes, valves, sprinklers and controls, fills in trenches, and flattens or grades roads with bulldozer or road grader.
2. Area Maintenance. Typical tasks: removes leaves, brush, and debris using rakes, blowers, vacuums, and shovels from building roofs, sewers, utility tunnels, streets, and sidewalks; removes trash and litter from lawns, parking lots, building entrances, and adjacent roadways and sidewalks under agency jurisdiction; empties trash cans as needed; transports litter, plant debris, and trash to dump or incinerator by truck; removes ice and snow from walkways, parking lots, and building entrances with use of plows, shovels, blowers, or salt; cleans drains, catch basins, and gutters; removes stains and spills from parking lots and walkways; fills potholes; repairs benches and signposts; assists in the maintenance of athletic fields and facilities.
3. Equipment Maintenance. Typical tasks: troubleshoots and performs minor repairs on tools and equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, and blowers; refers major repairs to repairperson; performs minor maintenance on grounds vehicles and power equipment by checking fluid levels, lubricating and cleaning after use; repairs and tests irrigation and sprinkler systems as needed; performs periodic cleaning of tool and shop areas.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: assists other departments as needed for special events or emergency situations.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

The Grounds Maintenance Worker I receives general direction from a manager, supervisor, or Grounds Maintenance Worker II who reviews work daily, or as needed, for quality, timeliness, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Grounds Maintenance Worker I receives general direction from a manager, supervisor, or Grounds Maintenance Worker II who reviews work daily, or as needed, for quality, timeliness, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Pesticide applicator¿¿¿s license may be required based on position duties; AND
• One year of experience as a grounds keeper; OR
• Two years experience in any occupation providing knowledge of horticulture and grounds keeping practices and procedures.

Revised 9/1/03