PIEDMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Position Description

Title:                        Groundskeeper/Gardener          Reports to:                 Assistant Superintendent

Dept:                       Maintenance                              Classification:            Classified

Effective:                October 13, 2004                      Work Year:                12 months

                                                                                    Salary Schedule:        CSEA

Basic Function:  Under general supervision, to perform skilled gardening and grounds maintenance work; to install and repair sprinkler systems and other grounds maintenance equipment; to maintain, cultivate, and repair athletic fields.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Incumbent is responsible for working with the Lead Groundskeeper/Gardener to implement the grounds-keeping program for the garden and grounds of the District.

Representative Duties:  This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

Perform skilled gardening work in maintaining landscaped and lawn areas.

Plant, cultivate, prune, and water trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowers; work with staff to water, fertilize, rake, weed, edge and mow lawns; rake leaves, clean walkways, trim trees, hedges, and shrubs; help maintain athletic fields.

Assist with maintenance duties, including patching asphalt, pouring cement, laying and repairing sprinkler pipe, repairing fences; repair and maintain blacktop areas.

Assist with specialized grounds projects such as returfing athletic fields, installing and repairing sprinkler systems, preparing fields before athletic events, and lawn installation prep work.

Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment; operate and service equipment, including power lawn mowers, sprayers, tractors, trucks, rototillers, and air compressors.

Safely and efficiently operate and maintain a pick up truck; use, repair, and maintain a variety of gardening and grounds maintenance tools and equipment; train and work with staff in safe application of pest control spray and other chemicals; maintain appropriate records of chemicals used.

May assist in or handle the loading and unloading of furniture equipment and/or supplies as assigned.

Work cooperatively with staff to maintain clean and functional garden and grounds throughout the school district.

Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:  Any combination of training, experience, and/or education equivalent to one year of progressively responsible experience in garden and grounds maintenance, including the use of power driven heavy equipment.

Skills:  Proper use and care of tools and equipment used for garden and grounds maintenance; operate motorized equipment; heavy physical labor; record-keeping; understanding and following oral and written directions.

License:  Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

Methods, supplies, and tools used in planting, cultivating, and caring for shrubs, trees, lawns, and other plants.

Common plant diseases and insect pests, including correct and safe use and application of pesticides for pest control purposes.

Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in grounds-keeping.

Operation and use of manual and automatic sprinkler systems.

Safety practices and precautions.

Ability to:

Meet District standards of professional attitude as outlined in Board Policy 4219.21 Code of Ethics for Classified Personnel.

Use a variety of gardening and grounds maintenance tools and power equipment safely and efficiently.

Operate motorized equipment; service and make minor repairs to power mowers and other grounds maintenance tools and equipment.

Perform heavy physical labor.

Lift and carry moderately heavy load.

Maintain basic work records and prepare necessary reports.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Ensure safe and effective application of pesticides and herbicides.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, administrators, and others.

Working Conditions: 

Environment:  District-wide garden and grounds; some indoor and primarily outdoor environment; regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors; contact with chemicals, pesticides and herbicides; may be required to work with harsh and toxic substances; may be required to work in various weather conditions; required to wear protective apparel including goggles, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, shoes, and oxygen breathing apparatus; work within enclosed spaces or heights above ground level; may be required to work around loud noises; work around moving mechanical parts and electrical current.

Physical Abilities:  Requires mobility to stand, stoop, reach, walk and bend for prolonged periods; requires mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and operate equipment; perform work involving frequent lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of objects which may approximate 50 pounds, and may occasionally weigh up to 100 pounds; lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving heavy objects, furniture, and equipment; climbing stairs, ladders and ramps; bending at the waist; reaching overhead and horizontally.