LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

Position Description & Qualifications

GROUNDSKEEPER

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Facilities Operations – Grounds

LOCATION: Campus Services – Appleton, WI

HOURS OF WORK: Typical hours 6:00 am to 2:30 pm

DAYS OF WORK: Typical days of work Monday thru Friday

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

To perform a variety of tasks and duties indicative of maintaining campus grounds to include lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees and snow removal to a high standard. In addition to other assigned duties: snow & ice removal, minor maintenance, moving equipment, and outside pick up as needed. Provide a high level of customer service to all members of the campus community.

DUTIES:

1. Perform a wide variety of tasks related to the maintenance, and upkeep of university grounds and facilities.

• Use appropriate landscaping methods to care for, preserve and water plants; sod, seed and fertilize lawns.
• Prepare beds and properly install appropriate plant material.
• Properly prune trees and shrubs.
• Provide maintenance for annuals and perennials, water lawns and other plantings as needed.
• Properly mow, edge, and trim lawns with appropriate tools, safely operate commercial mowing equipment in busy campus setting by following accepted industry standards and procedures.

2. Clean-up and maintain University grounds.

• Pick up litter throughout campus, empty outdoor garbage cans which may contain large amounts of trash and/or water.
• Rake and/or blow grass clippings and leaves; set up and operate sprinklers.
• Prepare grounds for event set-ups.

3. Properly care for and service power operated equipment used for grounds-keeping activities.

4. Maintain athletic fields to specification.

• Properly grade, drag and/or roll playing surfaces.
• Maintain field set up and lines for all athletic events.
• Assist in handling and storing of equipment; clean up playing fields and viewing stands after sporting events.

5. Remove snow and ice during winter months using appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

• Spread salt and/or sand on sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways.
• Safely operate snow removal equipment in a busy campus setting by following accepted industry standards and procedures.
• Promptly report all safety and maintenance issues.

6. Supervise and direct the work of student and/or temp grounds staff.

7. Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Provide excellent customer service to all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff and visitors. Must be able to respond, and interact with students, faculty and staff in a professional and courteous manner while addressing their needs promptly and timely. Must have the ability to work alone and in a team environment. Must be a self-starter and self-motivator.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Must have minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Prefer 2-3 years’ previous experience as a groundskeeper in a commercial or industrial environment.

3. Course work or degree in Horticulture with an emphasis on trees and shrubs is highly desired.

4. Previous experience with turf, horticulture, or landscape maintenance is desired.

5. Previous experience with small engine repair preferred.

6. Must be able to do continuous bending, stooping, twisting, carrying items, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, walking & standing for long periods of time.

7. Must be able to read and follow instructions, directions, and safety procedures.

8. Able to work independently

9. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have successful completion of criminal record check, pre-employment physical and pre-work screen, driving record check and reference checks.

2. Must have a valid Driver’s License and must be able to pass the requirements to be a Lawrence University Authorized Driver.

EQUIPMENT USED:

1. University vehicles, snow removal equipment

2. Power mowers, chainsaw, tractors with various attachments

3. Fertilizer spreaders, lawn roller

4. Skid Steer

5. Hand tools to include hedge trimmers, pruners, shovel, rake, etc.

6. Approved safety equipment.

MUST BE ABLE TO WORK ADDITIONAL HOURS AS REQUIRED TO INCLUDE INCLEMENT WEATHER, COMMENCEMENT, REUNION WEEKEND, AND OTHER OCCASIONS REQUIRING GROUNDS OR FACILITIES PARTICIPATION.

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