Brief Job Overview/Summary

Under the direction of the Landscaping Maintenance Supervisor, the Groundworker does tasks involved in the maintenance of grounds; does other related duties as required. Operates various groundskeeping equipment including tractors, lawn mowers, etc. Performs grounds maintenance including trash, snow and ice removal, soil preparation, seeding, weeding, cutting of lawns, planting and harvesting of flowers, and other duties as assigned.

NOTE:
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Descriptions of Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Takes the lead in work involved in the maintenance of institutional grounds.
• Prepares soil and the seeds, rolls, cuts, weeds, waters, trims lawns.
• Sprays, prunes, and trims orchards and shrubs.
• Plants, transplants, and thins trees and shrubs.
• Removes dirt, rubbish, snow, leaves and other refuse and assists in the maintenance of roads, lawns, shed, benches, and parking areas.
• May plan the removal of snow and/or direct the operation of snow blowers and salt spreaders.
• Sees that the non-cultivated areas are properly maintained.
• Sees that equipment, materials, and supplies including tractors, grass cutters, scythes, hoes, rakes, sprinklers, garden house, cultivators, spades, sheers, spraying devices, fertilizers, seeders, and other garden and grounds keeping equipment and tools are used properly.
• Prepares requisitions for equipment, materials, and supplies and ensures these are safeguarded, stored, used, and recorded.
• Reports unusual occurrences and significant conditions in the buildings and on the grounds, and takes those steps required to ensure safe, orderly conditions.
• May be required for short periods to perform assigned duties within buildings.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods used to plan, lay out and perform lawn and grounds maintenance work
• Ability to take the lead in the work involved laying out flower beds and directing preparation of soil, planting of seeds, weeding and thinning of bedding stock, and production of flowers for cutting purposes
• Ability to perform the tasks necessary for the propagation of trees, shrubbery, and perennial plants, and to direct the pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, mowing of lawns, and trimming of hedges
• Ability to requisition, safeguard, store, and record equipment, tools, materials, and supplies
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication
• People with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such people may not be eligible.

Required Qualifications:

• One (1) year experience in semi-skilled groundskeeping work required,

LICENSE:
• Appointees may be required to obtain an NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator's or Operator's Permit in the required categories.
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications: