Title: Grounds Lead Worker (Wage)

State Role Title: Trades Technician III

Hiring Range: $27.36-$28.67

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: DJJ Training Academy

Agency Website: www.djj.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

The role of the Grounds Lead Worker is to provide a safe, secure, and attractive outdoor environment by means of performing general grounds and landscaping duties, inside and outside The Virginia Public Safety Training Center (VPSTC) to include both the Hanover and Barrett campuses.

Tasks include but not limited to: cutting inside and outside secure perimeter, trimming shrubs, hedges and embankments; raking, loading and hauling leaves to disposal to maintain property in a safe and attractive condition. Trim limbs and / or cuts back areas around DJJ Structures, other buildings, and fence to enhance the landscaping condition. Keeps roads and parking lots clear of debris and maintains cleanliness of driveways. Assist the adult Department of Corrections Work Crew assigned to VPSTC by providing guidance and instruction on use of tools, machinery, daily duties, and proper use of supplies and scope of work for landscaping duties assigned.

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Some training in the safe application of grounds care chemicals;
  
• Considerable experience in grounds/landscaping maintenance/major lawn care;
  
• Experience in operating large mowers, tractors, and other grounds keeping equipment with attachments, and knowledge of related safety practices;
• Demonstrated ability to implement work plans and plan day to day work activities;
  
• Ability to read, write and communicate instructions;
• Valid driver’s license is required;
  
• Frequently will need to lift 25 pounds unassisted and work at heights elevated heights up to 40 feet.

Additional Considerations

• Commercial Driver's License;
  
• Experience supervising inmate grounds staff and activities.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: Bianca D. Stewart Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant

Phone: 804-371-0700

Email: DjjRecruitment@djj.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.