Groundskeeper

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The City of Portales, New Mexico is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain and improve city parks, recreational facilities, and the cemetery. This non‑exempt, full‑time position reports to the Parks Crew Chief and requires physical labor, light maintenance, and customer service skills. Responsibilities include digging graves, caring for vegetation, maintaining equipment, and assisting custodial duties, with potential for promotion to similar positions.

• Digging and closing of graves at the cemetery.
• Watering, raking, mowing, and trimming of lawns, shrubs, and trees.
• Minor maintenance on sprinkler systems.
• Assisting custodian with sweeping, mopping, and buffing of floors.
• Hauling and shoveling of dirt and snow; removing brush, limbs, and debris.
• Washing and degreasing equipment.
• Light maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Changing light bulbs in ballparks.
• Preparing the City pool, including painting, repairs, and building maintenance.
• Performing all duties in a manner that promotes a positive image of the City organization and demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and exemplary customer service.

• High School diploma desired.
• Prior experience desired but not required.
• Possession of a current New Mexico driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to operate and maintain various manual and motor‑driven tools safely and effectively.
• Experience safely operating backhoes and other heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow through on work assignments.
• Minimum age 18 years.

Physical Requirements:

Able to lift 50–75 pounds continuously. Must be capable of performing constant physical effort and use safety equipment when handling tools and equipment.

• Work both inside and outside.
• Work in all types of weather, including extreme cold, heat, and wet/humid conditions.
• Work with intermittent noise levels, which may range from moderate to loud.
• Work with fumes, dust, odors, and poor ventilation.
• Work on multiple surfaces: flat/hard, inclined/ramp, uneven, stairs, dry, wet, dusty, and natural ground.
• Work alone with or without directions.

The regular workweek is 40 hours—Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schedule may change according to workload and season. Additional time may be required to work after regular hours, on weekends, and holidays.

• Pass a background investigation covering work history, criminal records, driving records, and other relevant records.
• Pass a post‑offer pre‑employment drug screen administered by a City‑designated facility.

• Maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability with the City’s insurance carrier.
• Maintain a reliable source of communications.

Position has possibility of promotion based on performance and achievement of training goals.

First review is by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, and bi‑weekly thereafter. Applicant must submit the required application to Human Resources at City Hall, 1028 West Community Way, Portales, N.M. 88130, or online talesnm.gov.

The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace.