GROUNDSKEEPER

GROUNDSKEEPER

County of Lehigh

Parks and Recreation

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is semi-skilled grounds maintenance work at the full performance level. A position in this class performs a variety of light and heavy manual laboring tasks in the care and maintenance of lawns, parks and game preserve grounds, and landscaping around other facilities. Work includes the operation and routine maintenance of light power-equipment and repairs to recreational and related facilities and equipment. A position in this class is differentiated from those in related classes in the incumbents responsibility for the independent performance of tasks, although work assignments may be structured for crews of workers. A position in this class may receive direction from a work leader, but reports directly to a supervisory position.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)

- Operates hand power, riding and/or roto mowers to cut lawns and open areas, and trim grass around trees, fences, and structures; uses hand and light power-equipment to trim and prune trees and shrubs; services power equipment by changing oil, lubricating and adjusting as necessary; maintains hand tools by cleaning, drying and storing properly.

- Mixes chemical, fertilizer and other solutions, according to established formulae; applies such solutions with spray rigs to grass, shrubs, trees and other plantings to prevent and/or control weeds, disease and pests or to stimulate growth; waters, fertilizes, cultivates and trims lawns, shrubs, flowers, trees and other plantings.

- Cleans grounds, ponds, paths, playground equipment and walks; rakes leaves, picks up litter and keeps areas tidy and in good appearance; clears ditches and removes brush from trails and pathways.

- Maintains sprinkling systems by replacing valves, caulking broken water pipelines, or clearing clogged areas; performs simple repair work in recreation and similar structures such as unstopping sinks and basins or painting volleyball, basketball and shuffleboard courts; cleans and maintains facilities and equipment associated with assigned area, such as the fish hatchery; excavates and readies spaces for burial; removes snow, ice and other hazards.

- Performs other work as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Basic knowledge of methods, techniques, materials and equipment used in grounds maintenance work.

- Basic knowledge of power lawn-equipment operation and maintenance.

- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

- Ability to learn to make minor maintenance repairs on tools, playground and related recreational equipment and facilities and sprinkling systems.

- Ability to work out-of-doors in different climatic conditions for several hours at a time.

EXPERIENCE:

- Ability to read directions and safety requirements on fertilizers, pesticides and similar chemicals, and hand out power equipment.

- 6-12 months experience in grounds maintenance work.

- Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.

Interested applicants must submit a completed County application, resume and cover letter for consideration. Applicants can check the status of this posting via the County's Job Posting Status web page to learn if the position is open, pending, or has been closed. The appointing Authority will directly contact those applicants they are interested in potential candidates for this position.