Groundskeeper F/T

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The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in the Recreation Services Department by maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and beauty of parks, golf courses, buildings, racquet courts, and medians. This position involves performing intermediate semi-skilled work in the upkeep of municipal parks and grounds, including general park areas, roadway medians, swales, golf greens, fairways, tees, bunkers, roughs, and clay or turf athletic fields and tennis courts. Responsibilities include installing, repairing, maintaining, and caring for parks, grounds, and related structures and equipment. Work is performed under regular supervision and includes other related tasks as needed.

• Maintain parks and grounds by mowing, edging, watering, and fertilizing parks, fields, golf courses, tennis courts, and green spaces.
• Perform repairs and upkeep by fixing minor issues with park buildings, equipment, and facilities, including grills, tables, benches, and light fixtures.
• Manage waste by collecting trash and litter while ensuring waste bins are clean and emptied.
• Care for landscaping by planting, mulching, trimming, and maintaining trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Operate and maintain equipment by safely using and servicing groundskeeping tools such as mowers, tractors, and chainsaws.
• Collaborate with the team by assisting with tasks, projects, and special events to enhance park aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
• Conduct safety inspections by regularly assessing playgrounds, boardwalks, docks, and other park areas for potential hazards.
• Control weeds and turf by removing weeds and applying fertilizers and pesticides to maintain healthy turf.
• Install and treat grass by laying sod, applying grass seed, and using fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides in compliance with state, county, and city regulations.

Depending on area of assignment, additional duties may include:

Golf Course:

• Maintains greens, tees and bunkers

Athletic Fields:

• Maintains, levels and repairs the clay portions of athletic fields; installs bases, pitching rubbers and home plates; moves portable pitching mounds.
• Maintains athletic turf, paints field lines

Parks:

• Repairs grills, tables, trash receptacles, benches, gates and fences; replaces light bulbs.
• Assists with carpentry repair work on boardwalks, docks and playgrounds.
• Cleans and sanitizes public restrooms

Beautification:

• Observes safety protocols while performing duties in active roadways throughout the city roadway medians and swales

Racquet Sports:

• Maintains, levels and repairs the clay portions of tennis courts; sets lines, installs posts, net supports and nets.
• Prepare courts for scheduled events, tournaments, or general use by ensuring they are in optimal condition for players.
• Manage drainage, prevent erosion, and ensure the proper handling of chemicals and equipment to support environmental sustainability.

Related tasks:

• Cleans and sanitizes public restrooms
• Apply herbicides and pesticides as needed to control weeds and pests.
• Help install and remove windscreens, ensuring they are securely placed.
• Inspects for safety and maintenance needs, completes the appropriate inspections sheets and paperwork.
• Assists with some irrigation repairs; washes and cleans tools and equipment.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and practices used in parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic field and courts, and general park area maintenance.
• General knowledge of the equipment used to maintain parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic fields or general park area and its safe operation including but not limited tomowers, tractors, aerators, chain saws, and small power tools.
• Knowledge of Landscaping and Horticulture to include understanding of plant care, including pruning, mowing, weeding, and fertilization.
• Understanding of safe and effective methods pest and weed control which may include applying herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides, including relevant laws and safety protocols.
• General knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in general maintenance work including those needed formaintenance of benches, fences, gates, and other park amenities.
• General knowledge of the materials, equipment, tools, and techniques of the standard building trades.
• Awareness of environmental best practices and local, state, and federal regulations governing park and grounds maintenance.
• Safety guidelines for public park areas, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.
• Custodial cleaning methods, materials, and equipment
• Safety precautions applicable to the duties of the class.

Skilled in:

• Operation of parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic fields and courts and general park area maintenance equipment.
• Performing preventive maintenance and basic repairs on groundskeeping equipment.

Ability to:

• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides while following regulatory guidelines and safety protocols to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, patrons, and the general public.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Use common hand tools.
• Operate simple machinery; and
• Perform strenuous task and manual labor for extended periods of time outdoors in all seasons.
• Acquire new knowledge and skills, such as advanced landscaping techniques, equipment operation, or supervisory responsibilities.
• Clearly communicate with team members, supervisors, and the public regarding work schedules, safety concerns, and park updates.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of general maintenance experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Best Management Practices Certification, and/or Fertilizers Applicators License

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in a three (3) year period.
• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
• Certification/License Verification
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AND SCHEDULES:
Ballfields & Athletic Field MaintenanceMonday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Holidays as needed
Beautification & Row MaintenanceMonday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Holidays as needed
Parks & Common GroundsMonday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Holidays as needed
Physical and Environmental Demands and Conditions

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Occasionally ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Constantly moving about within the immediate work area to accomplish tasks.
• Constantly moving from one worksite to another.
• Constantly adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Constantly communicating with others to exchange information.
• Constantly repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Constantly operating a computer and other equipment using motions requiring manual dexterity or fine motor skills.
• Constantly operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Constantly operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Constantly having the ability to observe details accurately and identify variances.
• Constantly lifting/carrying objects 50 pounds or less.
• Constantly pushing/pulling objects 50 pounds or less.
• Constantly working in an area that is somewhat uncomfortable due to drafts, noise, temperature variation, or the like.
• Constantly working in an area that is very uncomfortable due to extreme temperature, noise levels, or other environmental conditions.
• Constantly working in an outdoor area where exposure to animals, reptiles, and/or insects may occur.
• Constantly working with equipment or performing procedures where carelessness would probably result in minor cuts, bruises, or muscle pulls.
• Constantly maintaining regular in-office and/or onsite attendance.

Essential Employee Designation

When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, any employee may be deemed essential by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work.