Senior Groundskeeper

Posting 22058
-Posted
10/05/2026

- Health & Human Services Comm

- Groundskeeping

- Healthcare Support

- Vernon State Hospital

- Not Eligible for Telework
-b. $3000 - $4999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Performs groundskeeping duties at the hospital including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, removing, and planting trees and shrubs. Ensures the safe and effective use of gas and power-operated tools to complete work efficiently. Trains other staff to use tools commensurate with skill and ability.

Implements the daily, weekly, and monthly scheduling of work in the groundskeeping department, such as schedules for treating insects around buildings, trimming of hedges, litter control, and mowing. Assigns, prioritizes and leads the work of other groundskeepers to ensure all tasks are completed as required on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in accordance with the groundskeeping schedule. Designates and assigns mowing and weed eating areas (zones of the campus) to other groundskeepers.

Oversees the quality of work for other groundskeepers and assists as necessary assuring proper results. Reports any significant issues to the supervisor for handling.

Initiates and executes projects for hospital beautification, such as designing and planting new flowerbeds, with the approval of the supervisor. Ensures sprinkler systems are in working order.

Operates tractors with implements such as front-end loaders and backhoes for digging out tree stumps, cleaning up debris, moving large amounts of gravel, sand, mulch, and other landscaping materials, and helps dig out areas for tree planting or if there is a water line break.

Ensures roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are safe and free from debris and reports any major issues to supervisor. Assists with conducting sidewalk surveys and documents on a plot plan as is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in an effort to reduce slips, trips, and falls. Works beyond normal duty hours during inclement weather to remove ice or snow from sidewalks, roadways, and clears debris from catch basins during heavy rain as needed.

Minimizes the presence and impact of nuisance animals (e.g., snakes, rodents, and feral cats). Takes action to safely and humanely trap and remove live animals, disposes appropriately of dead animals, and takes proactive measures to abate future issues.

Performs general maintenance, repairs, and construction work for the hospital in collaboration with maintenance staff commensurate with skills and abilities.

If the hospital has a cemetery, performs cemetery duties to include maintaining grounds, setting head stones, excavating graves for funerals, and setting up casket devices and tents. Maintains burial logs and ensures proper lifetime…