Grounds

Southeast Polk Community School District; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Grounds position to maintain district grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces. Shift is 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday–Friday, with schedule variations by season and activities.

The role requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a valid Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement, or ability to obtain within 90 days. Duties include operating snow plows, tractors, mowers, and other grounds equipment, plus routine maintenance and safety

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to operate, or learn to operate, and maintain grounds and snow removal equipment.
• Basic preventive maintenance skills for small engines, power equipment, and vehicles.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, safety instructions, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to complete basic mathematical calculations to measure materials, distances, and quantities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Ability to recognize and address potential safety or maintenance issues.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Maintain all licenses and certifications required for assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, seeding, fertilizing, watering, aerating, and weed control.
• Maintain landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and flower beds through pruning, mulching, and replacement planting.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as mowers, snow plows, skid‑steers, tractors, trimmers, blowers, and related attachments.
• Assist with snow and ice removal by operating plows, spreading salt or ice melt, and performing manual shoveling as needed.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor activity areas for school and community use.
• Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on vehicles and grounds equipment.
• Inspect assigned areas regularly to identify hazards or maintenance needs and report them promptly.
• Assist with setup and takedown for special events as directed.
• Participate in the district's on-call rotation for after-hours maintenance response, typically up to two weeks per year, and respond promptly to emergency calls when assigned.
• Substitute for building‑based custodial absences, as directed.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and equipment maintenance.
• Follow district safety protocols, including use of PPE and safe chemical handling.
• Attend required training and staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

CDL license

Grounds equipment operation

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Reading work orders

Math calculations

Communication

Preventive maintenance

Weather resilience

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL Class B with airbrake endorsement

Snow plows

Skid‑steers

Tractors

Mowers

Blowers

Job description

Southeast Polk Community School District Building and Grounds - Pleasant Hill, Iowa Open in Google Maps

Grounds

Southeast Polk Community School District Building and Grounds - Pleasant Hill, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5971581

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 26, 2026 5:03 PM (UTC)

Job Description

SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

Job Title: Grounds

Hours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (M-F) Hours and schedule may vary based on seasons, outdoor activities, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL), with airbrake endorsement, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, including successful completion of required testing and licensing.
• Ability to safely operate, or learn to operate, and maintain grounds and snow removal equipment, including trucks, tractors, mowers, skid‑steers, and attachments.
• Basic preventive maintenance skills for small engines, power equipment, and vehicles.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, safety instructions, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to complete basic mathematical calculations to measure materials, distances, and quantities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Ability to recognize and address potential safety or maintenance issues.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Maintain all licenses and certifications required for assigned duties.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience operating snow plows, skid‑steers, tractors, or other light commercial construction or grounds equipment.
• Experience with turf care, landscaping, irrigation systems, tree and shrub maintenance, and athletic field preparation.
• Familiarity with chemical handling and application safety procedures.
• Valid State of Iowa 3OT Ornamental and Turf Pest Control applicators license.

Reports to:

Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor

Job Goal:

Ensure that all district grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces are maintained in a safe, attractive, and functional condition through effective operation of equipment, seasonal maintenance, and general upkeep.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, seeding, fertilizing, watering, aerating, and weed control.
• Maintain landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and flower beds through pruning, mulching, and replacement planting.
• Operate and maintain equipment such asmowers, snow plows, skid‑steers, tractors, trimmers, blowers, and related attachments.
• Assist with snow and ice removal by operating plows, spreading salt or ice melt, and performing manual shoveling as needed.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor activity areas for school and community use.
• Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on vehicles and grounds equipment.
• Inspect assigned areas regularly to identify hazards or maintenance needs and report them promptly.
• Assist with setup and takedown for special events as directed.
• Participate in the district's on-call rotation for after-hours maintenance response, typically up to two weeks per year, and respond promptly to emergency calls when assigned.
• Substitute for building‑based custodial absences, as directed.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and equipment maintenance.
• Follow district safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment and safe chemical handling.
• Attend required training and staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
• Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and performing physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to operate and perform maintenance on motorized equipment and tools.

Terms of Employment:

• Twelve-month employment.
• Hours and work as assigned by the Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor or Director of Buildings and Grounds.
• Salary determined by negotiated agreement.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Dr. Justin Colbert, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, [phone], or [e-mail]. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, [phone]; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Contact Information

• Jacklyn Kretz
• 407 8th Street SE
• Altoona , Iowa 50009
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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