Groundskeeper

The North Polk Community School District is a progressive educational community located in the Des Moines metro area just north of Ankeny serving the communities of Alleman, Elkhart, Polk City, and Sheldahl. The District proudly serves over 2200 learners from preschool through 12th grade in five buildings (West Elementary, PK thru 2nd; Big Creek Elementary, 3rd-5th; Central Elementary, PK thru 5th, Middle School, 6th-8th; and High School, 9th-12th).

North Polk's Buildings and Grounds Department is seeking to hire a Groundskeeper.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Compensation: $22.00 - $24.00

Benefits:

Benefits associated with this role include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid leaves, including vacation, sick, and personal, as well as IPERS.

NORTH POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Groundskeeper

Reports to: Director of Building & Grounds

Supervises: Seasonal mowing and grounds staff members

Evaluation: Evaluation to be completed annually by the Director of Building & Grounds Maintenance.

FLSA Status: _____ Exempt X Non-Exempt

Status: X Full Time _____ Part Time

X Hourly _____ Salary

Basic Function: Performs a variety of outdoor maintenance tasks, including, but not limited to: prepare, establish, maintain, repair, construct and/or install landscape elements such as turf, trees, fences, playground equipment, surfacing, irrigation, retaining walls, concrete, asphalt, signage and drainage. Respond to after-hours emergencies. Snow removal.

Essential Functions:

Attendance at work

Ability to take and follow instructions

Ability to get along with co-workers and supervisors

Ability to work independently

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Grounds and Landscaping: Maintain district grounds, lawns, sidewalks, tracks, and athletic fields through mowing, trimming, edging, watering, aerating, laying sod, maintaining trees and shrubs, prairie management, removing litter and debris, and completing seasonal landscaping cleanup.
2. Athletic Field Maintenance: Prepare and maintain athletic fields and related facilities, including marking fields and maintaining natural and synthetic turf.
3. Outdoor Facilities and Structures: Install, inspect, repair, and maintain playground equipment and surfacing, fencing, signs, retaining walls, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, and other outdoor surfaces.
4. Snow and Ice Removal: Remove snow and apply ice-control materials to parking lots, sidewalks, steps, playgrounds, and other designated areas using shovels, plows, loaders, tractors, and other appropriate equipment.
5. Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operate, inspect, clean, and perform routine and scheduled maintenance on groundskeeping machinery, mowers, vehicles, tools, and other equipment. Maintain equipment in safe working condition, including servicing motors, changing oil, and sharpening blades.
6. Irrigation Systems: Assist with the operation, inspection, and maintenance of irrigation and sprinkler systems; identify and report issues as needed.
7. Safety and Repairs: Inspect district grounds and outdoor facilities for safety hazards, vandalism, graffiti, and needed repairs. Address issues within the scope of the position and promptly report major repairs or hazards to the Director of Building and Grounds. Follow district procedures for bloodborne pathogen cleanup.
8. After-Hours and Emergency Response: Respond to after-hours emergencies and comply with the district's Maintenance On-Call Policy.
9. Additional Operations Support: Assist other operations staff as needed, including moving furniture and equipment for school activities, unloading commodities, cleaning and disinfecting outdoor restrooms, and serving as a substitute custodian when needed.
10. Seasonal Preparation and Staff Support: Assist with preparing district buildings and grounds for the upcoming school year. Help direct, train, and demonstrate appropriate work practices to seasonal mowing, grounds, and summer staff as assigned.
11. Supplies and Inventory: Maintain an inventory of groundskeeping supplies, equipment, and fuel; identify supply needs and request replacements as appropriate. Follow local requirements and district procedures for the storage and disposal of waste.
12. Professional Responsibilities: Cooperate with district personnel, participate in professional meetings as required, maintain organization and professionalism, accept constructive feedback, and seek to improve job performance.
13. School and Community Relations: Maintain a positive and professional rapport with students, staff, parents, and community members while demonstrating a positive attitude toward the district and its mission.
14. Policies and Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, Board policies, administrative rules, and district procedures, including those related to a drug-free school.
15. Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned in support of district operations.

Specifications/Qualifications:

1. Valid Driver's License.
2. High school diploma or equivalent.
3. College degree in turf management science, horticulture, or biology preferred.
4. Will complete pesticide applicator's licensure within 6 months of hire with at least Category 3OT certification
5. Minimum of one year of related experience.
6. Background check required post-offer.
7. Knowledge of landscape installation and maintenance.
8. Ability to comply with Maintenance On-Call Policy.
9. Ability to promote and follow district policies and procedures.
10. Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
11. Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
12. Operating knowledge of trucks, trailers, power tools, hand tools, and landscape construction equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting & Carrying: Ability to regularly lift, push, pull, and carry equipment, soil bags, and debris up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Endurance & Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach continuously for 8+ hour shifts.
• Environmental Exposure: Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, high humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Mobility & Balance: Comfort navigating uneven, slippery, sloping, or rough terrain and climbing ladders or stairs safely.
• Motor Skills & Coordination: Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to operate power equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers), hand tools, and light vehicles.
• Sensory Awareness: Sufficient vision, depth perception, and hearing to safely operate machinery and stay aware of site hazards or traffic.

Working Conditions:

1. Includes extremes of temperature and humidity.
2. Hazards include stairs and communicable diseases.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

Any employee not covered by a negotiated contract agreement is an "at-will" employee. Either the school district or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause, so long as there is no violation of applicable federal or state law. The school district can define the number of days notice required of a terminating employee.

Please contact June Carstensen, Director of Buildings & Grounds, with any questions.

EOE