Groundskeeper I

Requisition ID: 48771 Work Location: Parks & Recreation - Various Landscape Locations Pay Range: G.14, $33,342.40 - $51,667.20 Starting Salary: Minimum of the Pay Range Work Schedule: 40 hour week, varied schedules Part Time Hours/Wk: Job Open Date: 3/31/26 Application Deadline: 4/9/26

Job Duties:

**The salary for this position is $16.03 per hour / $33,342.40 annually**

GROUNDSKEEPER I duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Individual will perform landscape and grounds maintenance services for parks, building sites, roadways, school sites, athletic fields resort area, and the Municipal Center

· Operate a variety of lawn mowers (including commercial type) and other motorized equipment

· Operate handheld power tools such as weed-eaters, edging and trimming equipment

· Use common gardening and hand tools

· Collect and dispose of trash and debris

· Load and unload tools, equipment, dirt, gravel, clay, and sand for project assignments

· Regularly lift/carry 50 lbs. and occasionally lift/carry 50+ lbs

· Work independently and/or as part of a team

· Assist in installing, mulching, maintaining, and weeding plant and shrub beds, lawn areas, turf, and walkways

· Prune, fertilize, spray herbicides, apply pesticides, etc.

· Plant Installation

· Plant & tree pruning

· Athletic field maintenance

*Work is performed outside in all weather conditions including extreme temperatures*

There is a $2,100 sign-on bonus for newly hired employees. The bonus is divided into three bonus increments:

First $550 bonus will be issued after the first three (3) months of employment

Second $550 bonus will be issued upon the six (6) month evaluation with an overall performance of “Meets Expectations”

Third $1,000 bonus will be issued upon the one (1) year evaluation with an overall performance of “Meets Expectations”

Our Commitment

Work with the best - work for Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation! Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing legendary experiences! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Are you…

Ø Able to keep a positive attitude and foster excellence through your actions, words, and appearance? Personable and genuine with your communication- both written and verbal?

Ø Someone who seeks opportunity to learn and understand the experience of others, creating a collaborative environment for all voices to be heard? Able to embrace differences and individuality to encourage inclusion? Willing to listen with an open mind?

Ø A problem solver who can work through sticking points and difficult conversations, holding yourself and team members to the highest standards of accountability?

Ø Able to find opportunity in challenges, no matter how difficult, finding creative solutions?

Ø Able to model sustainable practices to ensure an environmental conscious and productive culture (Ex: Recycle, reduce waste, optimize resources, and improve processes)?

Ø Going to take ownership of your time with the department and strive for excellence?

THEN WE WANT YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

The P&R Employee Experience

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Full Time Perks –

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Ø 13+ Holidays

Ø Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Ø Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Ø Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Ø Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Ø Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Ø Hybrid - 457 Cash Match

Ø Hybrid - Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) – Income Replacement (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Long-Term Care)

Ø Optional Life Insurance

Ø Wellness Programs

Ø Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Ø Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Official City Job Description:

https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Groundskeeper-I-00305.pdf

Working Conditions:

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.004946.pdf

Minimum Requirements:

MINIMUMS: Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid drivers license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical. May require a Commercial drivers license and/or pesticide certification.

Additional Requirements:

DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required

Attachments Required: None

Preferences:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

* High School Diploma or GED and/or trade school related to Horticulture or Landscape Maintenance
* Experience in grounds/landscape maintenance
* Outside work experience in a physical trade such as grounds maintenance, park maintenance
* Customer service experience

Special Instructions:

**The salary for this position is $16.03 per hour/$33,342.40 annually.**

Applicants will be reviewed and interviews will occur on an on-going basis until the closing of this requisition. If a qualified candidate is found prior to the closing date, this requisition will be closed.

Selected candidates must have a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina Driver's License (a learner's permit is not a valid driver's license), pass a pre-employment physical and have a satisfactory background check.

This is an Alpha I position, which requires reporting to work during periods of emergency or inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Selected candidates must furnish and wear steel-toed safety boots.

Work schedules may be adjusted seasonally.

• Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
• Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
• You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.