Grounds Maintenance (Trades Specialist III) #2712

Trident Technical College; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Technical College seeks a Grounds Maintenance Trades Specialist to care for the college's landscapes, roadways, sidewalks, and outdoor areas. You will perform advanced maintenance, install landscapes, manage irrigation, operate equipment, and conduct preventive upkeep while supporting a welcoming campus environment.

The role requires independent work with limited supervision and may involve guiding temporary staff.

Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma and two years of related work experience, or a tenth-grade education with four years of related work experience.
• A valid South Carolina driver's license is required.
• Degree in horticulture or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain a South Carolina pesticide license is preferred.
• Experience in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, or facilities grounds operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of proper horticultural practices, irrigation systems, fertilization, and plant health management is preferred.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and grounds maintenance machinery with safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, bed maintenance, pond maintenance, and irrigation system operation and repair.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment including tractors, backhoes, aerial lifts, forklifts, mowers, and power tools safely.
• Prepare sites for landscape renovations and install trees, shrubs, and plantings with irrigation systems.
• Conduct preventive maintenance inspections on vehicles and equipment and keep them clean and ready for use.
• Assist with building construction and renovation projects to support campus operations.
• Maintain records, data entry, and documentation requirements for the department.
• Provide guidance to temporary employees and ensure work is completed effectively and safely.

Skills

Independent work

Safety focus

Team guidance

Education

High school diploma

SC pesticide license

Tools

Tractors

Backhoes

Aerial lifts

Forklifts

Mowers

Job description

The Grounds Maintenance Trades Specialist is responsible for maintaining the College's grounds, landscapes, roadways, sidewalks, parking areas, and outdoor environments in a safe, attractive, and functional condition. This position performs advanced grounds maintenance, landscape installation, irrigation, equipment operation, and preventive maintenance while supporting the College's commitment to a welcoming campus environment. The successful candidate will work independently with limited supervision and may guide temporary employees as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform all aspects of grounds and landscape maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, seasonal and permanent bed maintenance, pond maintenance, roadway and parking lot upkeep, and irrigation system operation and repair. Utilize proper horticultural practices and maintain accurate documentation of fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide applications.
• Operate and maintain a variety of groundskeeping equipment and machinery, including tractors, bush hogs, front-end loaders, backhoes, aerial lifts, forklifts, sprayers, chippers, riding mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, edgers, weed eaters, augers, and blowers while following all applicable safety procedures.
• Prepare sites for landscape renovations and improvements, including installation of trees, shrubs, annual and perennial plantings, and manual and automated irrigation systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections on motor pool vehicles and grounds equipment, ensuring equipment is properly cleaned, lubricated, maintained, and ready for operational use
• Assist with building construction and renovation projects as needed to support campus operations and facilities improvements.
• Maintain records, complete data entry activities, and support departmental documentation requirements.
• Provide guidance and task assignments for temporary employees and assist with ensuring work is completed effectively and safely.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

This position requires a high school diploma and two (2) years of directly related work experience, or a tenth-grade education and four (4) years of directly related work experience.

A valid South Carolina driver's license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in horticulture or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to obtain a South Carolina pesticide license
• Experience in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, irrigation, or facilities grounds operations.
• Knowledge of proper horticultural practices, including landscape installation, pruning, fertilization, herbicide and pesticide applications, and plant health management.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and grounds maintenance machinery, including tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, forklifts, mowers, and power tools.
• Knowledge of irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize daily work activities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining safe, attractive, and well-maintained campus grounds.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to temporary employees and support a team-oriented work environment.

Additional Comments

This position requires extensive outdoor work in varying weather conditions year-round and involves physically demanding activities. The successful candidate must be able to perform manual labor, operate heavy equipment, and work safely in a variety of environments. This position is designated as essential personnel and may be required to respond during severe weather events and other emergency situations