Grounds Maintenance Worker

Performs semi-skilled and unskilled manual tasks in the maintenance of the City. An employee in this class performs a variety of tasks involving semi-skilled equipment operation and landscaping tasks in the maintenance of varied City grounds, and parks. Maintenance of the grounds includes mowing, planting, edging, trimming, blowing leaves, mulching, irrigation, and trash removal. Work includes assisting with the spraying of chemicals, cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and vehicles, and assisting with set-up, cleaning, and tears down for City festivals and events. Employee must be able to perform manual labor and semi-skilled duties and abide by safety rules and regulations. Work subjects the employee to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration, hazards associated with maintenance work, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and oils. Duties may also expose the employee to human body fluids and thus the work is subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Assignments are made daily and performed under direct supervision and work is reviewed through direct observation, and quality and quantity of work produced. Essential Duties and Tasks Mows and maintains City grounds, parks, open areas, and prunes trees and shrubbery, plants, waters, seeds and fertilizes grass, trees, flowers, and shrubbery. Sprays herbicides and pesticides and other chemicals; and blows, rakes, and picks up leaves and trash. Drives truck to and from work sites; hauls supplies, equipment, and materials and picks up plants. Assists in the removal of leaves and mulching of plant and flower beds, rakes leaves. Performs routine maintenance and replacement of parts on machinery, equipment, and/or vehicles. Loads and unloads supplies, equipment, and materials. Installs decorations; installs signs; moves furniture and boxes, sets up rooms and sets up for special events and festivals. Operates a variety of equipment power tools, lawn mowers, chain saws, edgers, pole saws, weed eaters, front end loader, and hand saws. Follows relevant safety practices and procedures in equipment operation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of basic landscape maintenance such as pruning, planting, seeding, and mowing. Working knowledge of planting and care for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Working knowledge of inspection and repair of playgrounds, tables, benches and other park amenities. Working knowledge of tools, materials, and methods used in unskilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance work. Working knowledge of proper application of herbicides and pesticides. Working knowledge of the concepts and philosophy of teamwork and ability to work effectively as part of a team. Working knowledge of basic equipment or vehicle maintenance. Working knowledge of safety precautions applicable to the duties of the class. Skill in the operation of assigned tools and equipment. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to use varied equipment required in performance of duties. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, superiors, and the public. Ability to respond courteously to citizens. Desirable Education and Experience Graduation from high school and some experience in the unskilled and semi-skilled street, buildings, or grounds maintenance work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements Possession of a current North Carolina Driver's License Ability to obtain licensure/certifications in Playground Maintenance. Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, pesticide license by timeframe established by the City is desirable.