Grounds Category D - Groundskeeper Specialist - Horticulturist

Illinois School District U-46; United States; Sur place; USD 29 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

ESSO's Grounds Category D - Groundskeeper Specialist - Horticulturist role supports landscaping, horticulture, and outdoor facilities. You will lead plant projects, install irrigation, maintain athletic spaces, and assist in snow/ice operations, reporting to the Coordinator of Grounds.

Requires a high school diploma, IL Driver's License, CDL B within six months, and an IL Pesticide License. 3–5 years in horticulture and grounds maintenance are needed; flexibility for evenings/weekends is

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in horticulture and landscape maintenance.
• 3–5 years operating common grounds equipment.
• 2–3 years in snow and ice management and equipment.
• Ability to read work orders and safety materials; communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of irrigation, turfgrass, playgrounds and fence maintenance.

Responsabilités

• Perform mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control and trash collection.
• Lead horticulture projects and install plant material.
• Diagnose, repair and install irrigation equipment.
• Prepare athletic fields and outdoor spaces for events and use.
• Assist with snow and ice management and emergency response.

Connaissances

Horticulture

Landscape maintenance

Snow & ice management

Operate grounds equipment safely

Irrigation knowledge

Reading work orders & safety docs

Formation

High School Diploma or equivalent

Illinois Driver's License

CDL Class B license or obtain within 6 months

Illinois Pesticide License

Description du poste

Grounds Category D - Groundskeeper Specialist - Horticulturist JobID: 46705

• Position Type:
  Plant Operations / Maintenance / Grounds/ Groundskeeper
  
• Date Posted:
  9/11/2026
  
• Date Available:
  11/02/2026
  

Position / Title: Grounds Category D - Groundskeeper Specialist - Horticulturist

Bargaining Unit: ESSO Department/Location: Plant Operations

Calendar Days: 261 Reports To: Coordinator of Grounds

JD Revision Date: 05/29/2026 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

Supports a variety of tasks related to landscaping and horticulture, ensuring that all outdoor spaces are well-kept and visually appealing. This position also supports the daily groundskeeping operation and assists in concrete and asphalt maintenance, snow and ice management, and outdoor facilities and playground maintenance. Promptly reports any issues beyond their level of expertise to the appropriate supervisor and safely completes tasks in accordance with district and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. This role ensures the grounds remain clean, safe, and fully functional for students, staff, and community stakeholders.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, weed control, and trash collection.
• Lead team in horticulture projects and tasks, including identifying, designing, and installing a variety of plant material.
• Diagnose, repair and install irrigation equipment.
• Perform repairs and replacements of various types of fencing.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields, courts, and outdoor spaces for events and daily use.
• Provide support for events by coordinating setup, assisting during activities, and performing cleanup afterward, with flexibility for evening and weekend hours as required.
• Monitor and report grounds-related supplies and equipment needs.
• Work collaboratively with departmental and district personnel to ensure the efficient operation and upkeep of all facilities.
• Facilitate snow and ice management operations using equipment and de-icing materials to maintain safe access.
• Initiate requests and submit orders for supplies, materials, parts and tools following District purchasing procedures including obtaining quotes as needed from approved vendors.
• Maintain "on-call" status to respond to emergency and/or after-hour events such as snow/ice management or severe weather damage.
• Use approved communication platforms and the district's work order system to promptly receive, initiate, track, complete, and close work orders and routinely monitor email and notifications for timely responses.
• Serve as a day or night custodian floater to provide relief and maintain operations as needed.
• Operate vehicles requiring a valid CDL Class B license to safely support departmental operations and service needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required prior to start date.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License required prior to start date.
• Hold an Illinois CDL Class B driver's license or obtain it within six (6) months of employment.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License required prior to start date.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years' experience in horticulture and landscape maintenance.
• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years' experience in the operation and routine maintenance of common grounds equipment.
• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years' experience with snow and ice management and equipment.
• Ability to operate standard tools and grounds equipment within safety guidelines required.
• Knowledge of plant material and the proper techniques for usage.
• Knowledge of irrigation equipment.
• Knowledge of turfgrass science, sports field layout, maintenance, and construction.
• Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of playground equipment.
• Knowledge of fence material, installation and repair.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety procedures, equipment manuals, and other job-related materials; communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public; and accurately complete required documentation.
• Ability to take and pass the General Standards test of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License program.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adults, students and community members.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, climb stairs, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift in excess of 75 lbs. with proper technique.
• Ability to work safely from stepladder, aerial lifts, and/or scaffolding at varying heights, up to 40 ft.
• Ability to push/pull 100 pounds with proper technique.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather for prolonged periods.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month ESSO position.
• Salary and benefits are as established by the agreement between ESSO and the Board of Education.
• Flexibility in work days/hours and overtime may be necessary.
• A passing score of 70 percent or higher is required on the mandatory practical application test.
• The starting rate for this role is $25.11/hr.