Job Summary

The Groundskeeper performs various grounds keeping assignments pertaining to the general upkeep of all properties including grounds, equipment, buildings, and curb appeal. 

Essential Job functions

Check grounds daily for trash and debris and gathers and removes to ensure a clean environment. Shovel and plow snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas. Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes. Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws. Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans. Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws. Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders. Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, or other grounds features. Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls. Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds. Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes. Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, or shrubs, and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools. Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers. Rake, mulch, and compost leaves. Power wash sidewalks and entrances, as necessary. Repair both sidewalks and potholes as necessary. Assist the Groundskeeper Supervisor with hanging and displaying holiday decorations and banners.  Maintain or repair tools, equipment, or structures, such as buildings, fences, or benches, using hand or power tools.  Open and close pool facilities at the start and end of the season. Perform interior work as needed including, but not limited to, painting, filter changes, and light maintenance. Respond to all emergencies as needed. While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Minimum 2 years of related experience required.

Special Requirements:

Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:

Familiarity with workplace safety protocols, including the handling and disposal of chemicals (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers) Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of landscaping tools and machinery (e.g., mowers, trimmers, blowers) Skills in creating and maintaining outdoor spaces, including flower beds, hardscaping (e.g., pathways, retaining walls), and seasonal plantings Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively to ensure that grounds maintenance is completed on schedule Ability to identify and resolve problems related to plant health, equipment breakdowns, or environmental factors (e.g., drought or flooding

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends The following physical demands are required: Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours) Occasional standing (up to 1 hour) Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours) Occasional driving (up to 8 hours) Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours) Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours) Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.) Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.  Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation Ability to change positions as needed

 

 $18.00 Minimum Rate per hour, $25.02 Maximum Rate per hour, based on experience.