Groundskeeper - Navajo Technical University

JOB PURPOSE:

Maintains and ensures overall upkeep of the campus in relation to the cleanliness, appearance, and the condition of landscaping items and features.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs routine landscaping and maintenance duties to ensure student, staff, and visitor satisfaction and safety at all time.
• Maintains landscaping, courtyards, parking lots, walkways, driveways, exterior signage and lighting, drainage, gutter systems and equipment.
• Operates and maintains various power/hand tools such as lawn mower, weed trimmer, snow blower, rakes, etc., used for the cultivation of agriculture.
• Performs summer functions such as watering, transplanting, mowing, leaning curbs, weed control, basic pest control, watering, pruning and trimming, and other landscaping projects.
• Ensures parking lots, sidewalks, and all exits/entrances/overhead canopies are clean and clear of snow and ice, gravel and sand.
• Performs winter functions such as snow removal, dispensing sidewalk and road salt per police and procedure.
• Maintains well groomed trees, shrubs and lawn. Picks up trash, paper and debris.
• Maintains well painted areas for stairs, curb, no parking and handicap areas.
• Performs inventory of items and equipment.
• Performs minor maintenance on lawnmowers, lifts, and other equipment to maintain in safe working order.
• Operates within safety standards and company policies at all times.
• Conducts regular checks of grounds for unsafe conditions and security. Reports or corrects as needed.
• Keeps stock areas neat and orderly.
• Follows planned landscape designs in laying sod, sow gross, plant flowers, and/or foliage.
• Performs maintenance and custodial duties as needed.
• Moves furniture on campus, and provides support for all setting up needed equipment and furniture for all events on campus.
• Keeps daily log of activities with notes for the major maintenance needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months groundskeeping or landscaping experience.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of materials, methods, practices and equipment used in groundskeeping and landscaping activities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in irrigation, planting and gardening.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safe working practices, and safety precautions in accordance with applicable state, county, or federal laws and regulations regarding workplace safety.
• Knowledge of use of maintenance tools, chemicals, cleaners, and disinfectants.
• Skill in operating various equipment and tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to safely use cleaning products and safely operate cleaning equipment.
• Ability to learn the methods of cleaning and caring for buildings and equipment.
• Ability to work with timeliness and thoroughness.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish tasks within strict deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for prolonged periods, walk and sit.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion. Reach with hands and arms; abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Stoop, bend, kneel or crouch.
• Required to climb or balance.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is generally performed in an outdoors environment.
• Exposure to dust, chemicals, variances in temperature, and equipment with moving parts.
• Exposure to natural weather conditions, various dusts and mists, and normal debris and hazards common at sites may occur while performing outdoor duties.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.