Grounds Custodian

Richland County Government; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Richland County Government in Columbia, SC is seeking a custodial groundskeeper to maintain county properties and facilities. The role follows established procedures and works under supervision.

You will perform routine grounds tasks, operate equipment, and support irrigation and seasonal cleanups, while ensuring safety and reporting issues promptly.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily grounds care tasks including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, and clearing walkways, entrances, and parking areas.
• Maintain clean, safe outdoor spaces by removing litter, debris, and organic waste.
• Plant, fertilize, water, weed, mulch, and maintain landscaped areas to ensure healthy growth and attractive appearance.
• Support sustainable landscaping practices, including proper disposal and recycling of landscape materials.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers, and utility vehicles.
• Perform routine inspections of tools, vehicles, and equipment; clean and store equipment properly.
• Report equipment malfunctions and initiate repair requests when needed.
• Assist with irrigation system installation, repair, and maintenance to ensure efficient water distribution.
• Monitor irrigation performance and report leaks, malfunctions, or water waste.
• Perform seasonal tasks including leaf removal, snow and ice removal, and storm-related cleanup.
• Respond to emergency calls related to weather events, safety hazards, or urgent maintenance needs.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with safety standards and required certifications.
• Follow all safety procedures and use PPE.
• Identify and report safety hazards, property damage, and maintenance needs to supervisors.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of work completed, materials used, and equipment operation through CMMS.
• Monitor property conditions and communicate issues or recommendations to supervisors.
• Interact professionally with staff and the public, helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
• Attend required training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge, safety awareness, and technical skills.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The purpose of this position is to carry out custodial work in maintaining County properties and facilities, as well as to care for assigned equipment and perform related tasks as needed. This role follows established procedures and operates under the close supervision of the assigned Manager of Grounds.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Perform daily grounds care tasks including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, and clearing walkways, entrances, and parking areas.

Maintain clean, safe, and orderly outdoor spaces by removing litter, debris, and organic waste.

Plant, fertilize, water, weed, mulch, and maintain landscaped areas to ensure healthy growth and an attractive appearance.

Support sustainable landscaping practices, including proper disposal and recycling of landscape materials.

Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers, and utility vehicles.

Perform routine inspections of assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment; clean and store equipment properly.

Report equipment malfunctions and initiate repair requests when needed.

Request necessary tools, materials, and supplies to complete assigned tasks.

Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems to ensure efficient and effective water distribution.

Monitor irrigation performance and report leaks, malfunctions, or water waste.

Perform seasonal tasks including leaf removal, snow and ice removal, and storm‑related cleanup.

Respond to emergency calls related to weather events, safety hazards, or urgent maintenance needs.

Apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with all safety standards, regulations, and required certifications.

Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Identify and report safety hazards, property damage, and maintenance needs to supervisors.

Maintain accurate, timely records of work completed, materials used, and equipment operation through the department’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

Monitor property conditions and provide clear, timely communication to supervisors regarding issues or recommendations.

Interact professionally with staff and the public, helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Attend required training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge, safety awareness, and technical skills.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires high school diploma or GED and instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires over six months in a related field.

Compensation Minimum: $17.00