Grounds Worker

Grounds Worker 

Reports to:  Foreperson, Grounds 
Pay Grade: 802
Duty Days: 244
Salary Range: $33,184 - 39,977
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


Position Purpose
 
Performs semi-skilled labor duties that involve maintaining of grounds at various campuses, such as operating tractors, dump trucks, mowers, trimming of trees/shrubs, and general maintenance work as needed.
 
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 
Grounds & Landscaping
 

• Mows and details all District grounds, including athletic fields and track facilities using mowing equipment and utility tractors.
• Assists with the preparation of athletic fields for games, including chalking fields.
• Collects and disposes of leaves, dirt, rubbish, and refuse from District facilities.
• Follows scheduled maintenance plan to care for trees and shrubs, including operation of power tools such as power pruners, chain saws, chippers, and power pole saws.
• Installs pave stone retaining walls.
• Sets forms, spreads and lays asphalt or spreads crack seal for the maintenance and repair of parking lots, driveways, and other asphalt areas.
• Operates air/jack hammer to break out old asphalt to make repairs.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure proper operating conditions.
• Assists with fence removal and installation as needed.
• Assists in installation and repair of playground equipment.

 
Other

• Transports workers and equipment to work sites throughout the District.

 
Safety
 

• Operates tools and equipment according to prescribed safety procedures. Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
• Helps keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in safe operating condition.
• Inspects and adjust tools and equipment for safety and efficiency and performs preventive maintenance as needed.

 
Personal Work Relationships
 

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

 
Other Duties as Assigned
 

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
 

• Knowledge of proper use of tools of the trade.
• Knowledge of proper use and care of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of equipment and tools used in maintenance and repairs of developed and undeveloped grounds.
• Knowledge of landscaping, specialized landscape equipment, and surface preparation.
• Skill in coordinating, planning, organizing, and completing projects.
• Ability to work at various heights.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to operate power-driven equipment.
• Ability to operate utility tractors, mowing equipment, and tree trimming equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and complete work orders.
• Ability to read and understand procedure manuals, operating manuals, assembly instructions, safety precautions, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and related reference documents.
• Ability to understand detailed written or oral instructions from supervisors, including standard operating procedures.
• Ability to use software to access databases, status work assignments, and work with email.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

 
Travel Requirements
 

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

 
Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards
 

• Tools/Equipment Used:  Garden tools; small hand tools; power tools; heavy equipment including backhoe, tractor, grader; power mower; light truck, or van.
• Posture:  Frequent and prolonged standing, stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting; works in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
• Motion:  Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions including grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and overhead reaching; frequent driving.
• Lifting:  Heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over) on a daily basis.
• Environment:  Works outside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, noise, vibration; exposure to chemical (herbicides and fertilizer) and electrical hazards; work around machinery with moving parts; may work alone; regularly work irregular hours; occasional prolonged hours; frequent districtwide travel.
• Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

 
Minimum Required Qualifications
 

• Education:  Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
• Certification/License:  
  • Clear and valid Texas Driver's License required;
  • Texas Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL or Class B CDL) preferred;
  • Insurable by the District's insurance carrier required.