Grounds Keeper

Perform grounds maintenance, conservation, and improvement duties as part of a grounds crew. Inspect and care for trees and shrubs, including planting, transplanting, removing, pruning, fertilizing, and managing a vegetation control program under specific supervision and in accordance with established priorities and policies. Tasks are similar in nature and require moderate use of individual analysis and judgment. Adhere to federal and state laws, as well as district policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Perform grounds keeping duties as part of a grounds crew under the direction of assigned supervisor; refer problems that cannot be solved to immediate supervisor. Mow grassed areas, rake grass and leaves, fertilize, trim and edge grass and trees. Dig with pick and shovel and backfill excavations.
• Maintain appearance and health of plants, grass, shrubs and flowers at various district locations, as assigned.
• Be responsible for district vehicle and vehicle inventory, if assigned, and for materials, tools and equipment, including making adjustments and using safe operating procedures; request scheduling of required maintenance and inspections and keep vehicle, tools, equipment and work areas clean and orderly.
• Assist other employees in the proper use of tools, equipment and machinery, including safety procedures.
• Follow established safety practices in accordance with District policies to prevent damage to buildings, utilities and other property.
• Load and unload tools and materials and operate tools, equipment and machinery used in the grounds maintenance function, including, but not limited to pruning equipment, jackhammer, wheel barrel, trenching machines, and push and riding lawn mowers.
• Perform heavy manual work such as spreading top soil, fertilizer, planting and transplanting lawns, shrubs, trees and flowerbeds.
• Apply chemicals after being trained in the safe application of pesticides and herbicides.
• Cooperate with other co-workers and routinely report necessary information to the immediate supervisor.
• Make decisions under general supervision using some individual analysis in accordance with established priorities and policies; refer major decisions to supervisor.
• Attendance at the work site is required to meet essential functions of the job.

• Participate in professional development activities as required by the district.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties; support district/department goals.
• Maintain a professional code of ethics and perform other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) preferred; ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions; ability to read and understand instructions related to grounds maintenance and safety procedures; one (1) year experience in grounds maintenance or related duties preferred. Ability to read, write, speak and understand English. You must possess a valid Texas or New Mexico driver's license. Be insurable by the district's auto liability carrier;

subject to the YISD drug and alcohol testing policy and regulation.

Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or put up to fifty (50) pounds frequently; work under all weather conditions; be adaptable to work a shift schedule and/or hours other than regularly assigned; extended periods of walking, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, climbing, heaving lifting and carrying. Ability to climb ladders up to 8 feet unassisted and higher with assistance; exposure to insects, all kinds of weather conditions;

ability to work with pesticides, herbicides and other potentially hazardous materials in a safe manner.

• Valid Texas/New Mexico driver license