General Utility Worker

State of North Carolina - Governor Morehead School for the Blind; North Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Governor Morehead School for the Blind seeks a Grounds Worker I to maintain campus grounds, trees, shrubs, and lawns. The role includes planting, pruning, mowing, and general landscaping to keep the environment safe and attractive for students and staff.

The position supports inclement weather and emergency response efforts, operates lawn and landscape tools, and ensures compliance with safety guidelines while working outdoors most of the year.

Qualifications

• Education/experience in grounds work equivalent to two years

Responsibilities

• Plant, cultivate, water, fertilize, and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscape beds.
• Prune, trim, shape, and remove trees, shrubs, hedges, and other vegetation as needed.
• Mow lawns, edge walkways, and maintain grounds to ensure a clean appearance.
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment safely and routinely.
• Assist with irrigation systems installation and landscape improvements.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Education

Two years of grounds experience or equivalent education

Tools

Lawn mowers

Weed trimmers

Edgers

Leaf blowers

Chainsaws

Irrigation equipment

Job description

AgencyGov Morehead Sch for the BlindDivisionGov Morehead Sch for the BlindJob Classification TitleGrounds Worker I (S)Position Number60038381GradeNC01About UsGovernor Morehead School (GMS) is the flagship school in North Carolina that serves the special needs of visually impaired students, in a unique residential setting. Apart from its flagship status as the only residential school in the state for visually impaired students, GMS is renowned for its excellent program in Orientation and Mobility as well as its Braille Music program.Description of WorkPosition SummaryThe Grounds Worker is responsible for the maintenance, care, and appearance of campus grounds, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and lawns. This position performs skilled grounds maintenance work including planting, pruning, mowing, trimming, and general landscaping duties to ensure a safe, attractive, and well-maintained environment for students, staff, and visitors. The employee works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment in determining the care and treatment necessary to maintain grounds in excellent condition.Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management PreferencesEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPlant, cultivate, water, fertilize, and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscape beds.Prune, trim, shape, and remove trees, shrubs, hedges, and other vegetation as needed.Mow lawns, edge walkways, and maintain grounds to ensure a clean, professional appearance.Apply mulch, fertilizers, herbicides, and other landscaping materials in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.Operate and maintain landscaping equipment including:Weed trimmersEdgersPrunersHedge trimmersChainsawsLeaf blowersZero-turn lawn mowersInspect and perform routine maintenance and servicing on grounds equipment to extend equipment life and minimize downtime.Remove debris, litter, leaves, fallen branches, and other materials from grounds and landscaped areas.Assist with the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems and landscape improvements.Maintain sidewalks, parking lots, entryways, and other exterior areas in a safe condition.Follow established safety procedures and utilize proper personal protective equipment.Complete assigned work in accordance with oral and written instructions.Assist with special projects related to grounds maintenance and campus beautification.Inclement Weather and Emergency ResponseParticipate in emergency response activities during inclement weather events.Remove fallen trees, limbs, and storm debris to maintain safe access to campus facilities.Assist with snow and ice removal operations, including operating equipment and applying ice melt to walkways, entrances, roadways, and other high-traffic areas.May be required to report to work outside of normal operating hours during weather emergencies to ensure campus safety and preparation for student and staff arrival and departure.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesBasic knowledge of groundskeeping and horticultural practices.Basic knowledge of tree and shrub cultivation, pruning, spraying, and trimming techniques.Basic knowledge of landscape equipment operation and safety procedures.Ability to perform routine maintenance and servicing of grounds equipment.Ability to identify common landscape maintenance needs and determine appropriate care and treatment.Ability to follow oral and written instructions.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.Ability to safely operate hand and power tools used in grounds maintenance.Physical RequirementsFrequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and climbing.Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, and other environmental conditions.Ability to safely operate equipment and machinery for extended periods.Work ScheduleRegular work schedule is Monday through Friday.Position may require overtime, early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday work during emergencies, severe weather events, or other operational needs.Employee may be required to report to work during inclement weather to assist with snow removal, ice mitigation, storm cleanup, and campus safety operations.Minimum Education and ExperienceSome state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.Education and/or experience in grounds work that is directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices of the trade and equivalent to two years of experience in planting, cultivation, and care of shrubs, trees, plants, and grasses; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.EEO StatementThe State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.Recruiter:Nicole Rachel ClarkRecruiter Email:[e-mail]