Grounds District Lead
- Title: Grounds District Lead
- Class: Classified
- Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
- Grade: 23
Job Summary
Under the direction of management, performs and leads the performance of grounds and facilities maintenance functions in a safe manner. Job requires well-developed verbal skills to present and exchange technical or complex information. Interpersonal contacts include college students and staff, the public, vendors and representatives from external agencies. Responsible for producing work with minimum guidance or direction, and for guiding and reviewing the work of others.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Reviews requests for grounds keeping and recommends best procedures or methods for completing jobs. Performs and/or coordinates exterior grounds maintenance and care to ensure a safe and pleasant appearance of the District grounds.
- Performs grounds keeping duties; irrigation systems operation, maintenance and repair; and services and maintains grounds-related equipment in coordination with groundskeeping and facilities staff.
- Independently plans and completes landscape projects at multiple sites. This includes resolving problems and scheduling.
- Oversees student and non-student workers in use of landscape maintenance equipment and supplies, and in proper procedures and techniques.
- Trains, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned grounds workers; develop daily work schedules and assign grounds personnel.
- Trains and directs the staff’s safe use, care and maintenance of tools and equipment and performs periodical inspections of all assigned work areas.
- Implements and directs tasks related to major projects such as landscape and irrigation systems at new sites.
- Maintains current knowledge of correct pesticide and hazardous materials used in landscape maintenance and ensures that training of staff, proper procedures and records are complete.
- Ensures that preventative maintenance procedures are carried out on a scheduled basis and completes maintenance records for all equipment;
- Directs correct calibration of equipment used in applying pesticides and other potentially hazardous substances.
- Maintains all safety and training records for OSHA inspection.
- Orders supplies, spare parts and equipment as authorized and takes delivery on or off campus.
- Produces budget projections for grounds maintenance department for supplies and capital projects and monitors spending.
- Recommends purchases, obtains and assist others in collecting bids and ordering supplies.
- Directs and uses heavy equipment in performing tasks related to complete landscape maintenance and construction, including all related landscape equipment.
- Represents the grounds department by attending meetings with various departmental personnel in order to prioritize maintenance requests.
- Provides information and assistance to Grounds manager in evaluation and assessment of personnel.
- Maintains a safe work environment.Responds to and escalates emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
- In the event of unscheduled closures due to weather events and/or other circumstances, is considered “essential personnel” for reopening the college.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work is performed outdoors in sometimes inclement weather and involves dirt, noise and hazardous materials. Work pressure disturbances of work flow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected. Job requires considerable and usually sustained physical effort. Strength and agility for heavy lifting* and knowledge of correct body dynamics is necessary for this position. Job requires ability to operate physically demanding machinery. Travel between college locations using college-owned vehicle or personal vehicle may be required.
*lifting over 50 lbs requires assistance and/or use of mechanical devices such as forklift, hand truck, etc.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent. Two year degree in landscape maintenance required. Experience performing the duties of the job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Three years of work experience in general landscape maintenance leading and directinglandscape maintenance crews.
Must possess a valid and appropriate apprentice pesticide applicator license and forklift certification within nine months of employment.
Must have valid driver license to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Oregon and possess an acceptable driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations;
- Safety and materials requirements and recordkeeping;
- Departmental processes and policies;
- Plant identification and control;
- Irrigation techniques;
- Heavy equipment operation and maintenance;
- Safe use of pesticides;
- Drainage and stormwater management;
- Integrated pest management;
- Principles of training and providing work direction.
Skills in:
- Explaining terms, concepts and technology in plain language;
- Leading, training, and coordinating the work of others in a team environment;
- Organizing and keeping records;
- Developing budgets and estimating costs;
- Operating a computer and various software packages.
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships, as required by the position;
- Relate plans and specifications to actual field conditions;
- Effectively communicate both in writing and verbally;
- Interact positively with staff, contract services providers and the public in order to enhance effectiveness and to promote quality service;
- Work independently and prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to needed changes;
- Participate in on call duty and report back to work if called upon.
Reviewed: 12/18
- Revised: 8/2017; 3/2017; 2/2016; 3/2015; 2/2001
- Replaces: Grounds Foreperson, Gr. 20, 6/1995