Job Description - La Mesa-Spring Valley School District GROUNDS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PURPOSE STATEMENT: The job of Grounds Equipment Operator was established for the purpose/s of constructing and maintaining landscaped areas; assisting maintenance workers in the construction of parking lots, building pads and service roads; demolishing existing structures, clearing an area in preparation for additional work; ensuring availability of items to complete projects on time; coordinating work flow and ensuring safety of workers; maintaining attractive and safe grounds area/s and athletic fields; protecting against erosion; maintaining grounds for assemblies and/or recreational activities (e.g., track, football, graduation); applying pesticides; and supporting other grounds crew staff in the performance of their assignments. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Applies, under of IPM Coordinator, pesticides and/or fertilizer for the purpose of meeting established pest control treatment thresholds in accordance with existing laws and regulations. - Coordinates with custodial, grounds, site administrators, coaches for the purpose of preparing grounds areas and ensuring a safe environment for participants. Designs and installs a variety of landscape projects (e.g., irrigation systems, landscapes, storm drains) for the purpose of keeping the grounds attractive and protecting against erosion. - Excavates a variety of district property (e.g., earth, asphalt, concrete, debris, soil trench lines) for the purpose of installing, repairing, improving and maintaining water, sewer, storm-drain pipes, electrical conduit infrastructure, landscaped areas and fields in a safe and clean condition. - Installs sand and bark around playground structures for the purpose of meeting federal safety guidelines. - Maintains tools and/or equipment for the purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment in safe operating condition. - Operates a wide variety of heavy equipment (e.g., skip loader, back hoe, fork lifts, tractors, dump trucks, yard tractor, ride on/push mowers, ditch witch, weed whips, chippers, rototiller) for the purpose of providing District grounds with appropriate care and/or maintenance of landscaped areas. - Prepares District grounds for renovations (e.g., adding/removing earth and/or debris, grading, leveling) for the purpose of performing and/or providing assistance to other trades for renovation of District grounds, while maintaining a safe and attractive environment. - Prepares documentation (e.g., schedule of events, work orders) for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information. - Prepares grounds areas (e.g., fertilizes soil, courtyards, flower beds) for the purpose of providing adequate, attractive and safe areas for assemblies, recreational activities and/or special events. - Prepares work order forms and other records for the purpose of documenting work completed or to be scheduled and materials used. - Procures equipment, supplies and materials for the purpose of maintaining availability of required items and completing jobs efficiently. - Repairs irrigation systems and components (e.g., valves, wiring, sprinkler clocks) for the purpose of ensuring equipment and/or components are in proper working order. - Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of assisting in resolving immediate safety concerns. - Transports a variety of items in commercial vehicles and trailers (e.g., trash, debris, aggregates, mowers, equipment, supplies) for the purpose of ensuring their availability for use in completing work assignments and/or removing unwanted items from facilities in compliance with state, federal and/or administrative guidelines. OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs duties of other grounds maintenance staff as may be required for the purpose of maintaining campus grounds in accordance with established standards. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Skills, Knowledge and Abilities. SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating a variety of equipment including dump truck, back hoe, skip loader, power mowers, forklifts, jackhammers and other related equipment; and operating, maintaining and making minor repairs to power grounds equipment and tools. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: methods, materials, tools and operation of large power equipment used in grounds construction and maintenance work; health and safety regulations; methods used in caring for plants, shrubs, flowers, trees and lawns; and lawn planting and cutting procedures. ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a wide variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: understanding and following oral and written directions; working independently with little direction; planning and organizing work; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; and preparing accurate records. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: working under direct supervision using standardized routines; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the Organization’s services. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 35% walking, and 35% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in hazardous conditions. Experience: Job related experience is required. Education: Targeted job related education that meets organization’s prerequisite requirements Equivalency: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade and one year of experience in gardening, nursery, or grounds-maintenance work; knowledge of heavy equipment and its operation; ability to operate equipment such as dumpster, dump truck, tractor, sweeper, backhoe, chipper, etc.; and the ability to understand and follow oral and written directions. Must acquire state certification for application of pesticides within the first twelve months of employment. Required: Job Related Proficiency Test Certificates: Valid Class C Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability; Qualified Applicators Certificate (within 1 year of employment) Continuing Education/Training: Safety Training, Fork Lift Training, Power Actuated Tool Operations; Participates in team meetings and in-service training. Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, Tuberculosis Clearance, Pre-placement Physical FLSA Status: Non Exempt Salary Range: Classified 42 Approval Date: 3/01/08; 8/24/09