Lead Groundskeeper - INTERNAL OPENING FOR CURRENT KSU AFSCME EMPLOYEES ONLY

Job Title:

Lead Groundskeeper

Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 $18.97 - $19.78 (6 month rate)

Basic Function:

Functions as a lead worker over groundskeepers and laborers; coordinates and performs grounds maintenance functions. Reports to Grounds Supervisor or Manager.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Functions as a lead worker and instructs and trains groundskeepers, laborers, and other classified, temporary, or student employees engaged in groundskeeping activities; assigns and monitors work activities of crew members; reports irregularities and shortages and the need for additional assistance and supplies; maintains appropriate records.

Mows, trims, and edges lawns; weeds and waters lawns and flower beds; prunes shrubs and trees; plants and transplants trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers; operates hand and chain saw to cut trees and wood.

In collaboration with supervisor, oversees maintenance and installation of landscape settings.

Operates, maintains, and performs field repairs of various grounds equipment, tools, and motor vehicles in performance of job duties (e.g., power mowers, tractors, trucks, snow plows, salt spreaders, rotary tillers, etc.).

Mixes and applies insecticides and fertilizers to control insects and disease and promote growth of lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower beds; applies top soil; prepares surfaces for seeding or sodding; mows, aerates, drags, lays out, lines and paints athletic fields; seeds and sods lawns.

Keeps grounds clean; picks up papers and debris; operates blower or brush to clean sidewalks and parking lots when necessary; repairs signs for wayfinding, parking lots and roadways, as needed.

Removes snow and ice using snow plow, snow blower, snow brush hand shovel and/or broom; applies salt and/or salt alternative to snow and ice.

May drive vehicle to pick up and deliver materials, equipment, and personnel.

May assist with purchase and inventory of supplies and equipment.

Performs related duties as required.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of three years of groundskeeping experience to include experience in landscape design or construction.  Of the three years experience, at least one year lead, foreman, or supervisory experience is required.

License/Certification:

Valid Ohio driver's license with safe driving record. Pesticide applicator's license or be able to successfully complete requirements for license during probationary period.

Knowledge Of:

Grounds maintenance (e.g., applying sprays, planting, pruning, trimming, transplanting, snow removal etc.) Appropriate safety practices * Prioritization of daily tasks *

Skill In:

Interpersonal communication to effectively interact with University personnel and public in person and over the telephone and through electronic correspondence(e.g., to transmit work directives, to order supplies from vendors, email or message staff or supervision) * Operating and maintaining various types of grounds maintenance equipment and tools (e.g. mower, tractor, chain saw, sod cutter, tiller, snow brush, compact utility tractor, etc.) * Use of hand and power tools

Ability To:

Train and provide effective work direction to other employees Manage time effectively and set priorities Carry out or assist in implementing changes Demonstrate physical dexterity and to lift 100 pounds * Read (e.g., product labels, updates of pesticide regulations), write (e.g., work orders), and accurately follow oral, written, and graphic instructions Perform basic mathematics (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to calculate percentages)

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Works primarily outdoors; exposed to variable temperatures and weather conditions, dirt, dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, loud equipment noise, and potentially dangerous equipment (e.g., mower, tractor); requires considerable physical exertion to include frequent lifting of up to 100 pounds (e.g., fertilizer, trees) and extended periods of kneeling, stooping, standing, and walking; may work varied hours and shifts to include early mornings or evenings; requires on-campus and off-campus travel in University vehicles.

Working Schedule:

 Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; however, schedule may vary to meet departmental needs.

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non-discrimination to employ and advance qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We comply with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.”

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco is not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free<http://www.kent.edu/smoke-free>.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.