Grounds Maintenance Worker

Antelope Valley College; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Antelope Valley College is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to perform mowing, trimming, watering, irrigation maintenance, fertilizing and athletic field prep on AVC grounds. The role supports safe, clean, and well-kept outdoor spaces across campus.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and two years of grounds maintenance or irrigation experience, a California driver's license, and the ability to obtain a forklift certificate within the first year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with two years of grounds maintenance, landscaping or irrigation experience.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and preventative maintenance.
• Experience with fertilizing, herbicides and turf management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim shrubs, edge borders and maintain landscaped areas.
• Inspect, install and repair sprinkler systems and related components.
• Maintain parking lots, roadways and athletic fields.
• Prepare and apply fertilizers and pesticides following safety guidelines.
• Submit work orders and keep records of materials used.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Hedge trimming

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift (within first year)

Lawn mower & sprayer equipment

Job description

Under the direction of the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, perform a variety of grounds maintenance duties on District grounds such as mowing, trimming, watering and cleaning landscaped areas, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, application of fertilizers and herbicides and preparation of athletic fields; maintain parking lots and roadways. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

• Plant, maintain and mow lawns; top, trim and prune shrubs, hedges and trees; edge lawns and borders; weed whipping, rake leaves and hoe and remove weeds. (E)
• Prepare and fertilize soil and plant lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges and flowers; apply top dressing to athletic fields; cut and lay sod and perform trenching as needed. (E)
• Assist in sprinkler system design; install, maintain and repair sprinkler systems; dig trenches, lay pipe and install valves; maintain and repair electric timers and clocks and perform wiring on electrically-controlled valves; repair and replace pop-up and gear-driven heads; inspect sprinkler system to assure proper and efficient operation. (E)
• Water landscaped area including lawns, shrubs and trees using sprinkler systems and hand watering. (E)
• Mix and apply fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to lawns, flowers, shrubs and trees for control of insects, rodents and diseases; prepare and maintain related records including MSDS sheets. (E)
• Operate powered parking lot sweeper to sweep and maintain parking lots; sweep fire lanes and roadways; repair and replace car stops as necessary; assist in placing and removing traffic signs. (E)
• Complete and maintain work orders and records related to work performed; maintain records of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used; submit to supervisor according to established procedures. (E)
• Drive a District vehicle to pick up and deliver maintenance supplies and materials; load trucks with trimmings and trash; transport sand, dirt, sawdust and straw; unload and distribute as assigned or according to established procedures. (E)
• Remove paper trash and other debris from grounds; sweep and blow walkways, driveways and parking areas; remove debris from roofs, gutters and pipes as necessary. (E)
• Maintain power grounds equipment including servicing of brakes and bearings, engine tune-ups and repairs to points and condensers; change oil and filters as necessary. (E)
• Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance equipment and machinery including trucks, tractor, skip loader, jackhammer, forklift, sweeper, riding and push mowers, edgers, shears, blowers, mulchers, chain saws, aerator, sprayers, loaders and weed eaters; maintain tools and equipment in proper working order. (E)
• Participate in the renovation, preparation, dragging, lining and maintenance of athletic fields, ball diamonds, running tracks and related facilities.
• Perform a variety of maintenance work such as mixing and pouring asphalt and cement, filling holes with sand and soil and performing minor fencing repairs; place barricades for hazardous conditions.
• Orders supplies as approved by Supervisor.
• Assist other maintenance and custodial personnel as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and two years grounds maintenance, landscaping or irrigation experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California driver's license.
• Incumbents must qualify for a valid forklift certificate within first year in this classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods, equipment and materials used in a variety of grounds maintenance, such as irrigation system installation, maintenance and repair, chemical control of insects, pests and weeds and general grounds maintenance.
• Mowing, edging and other basic grounds maintenance procedures.
• Renovation and turf reconditioning techniques and procedures.
• Cultivating, watering, fertilizing and spraying of trees, grass, shrubs and flowers.
• General health and safety procedures related to grounds maintenance.
• Requirements of maintaining school grounds in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Basic recordkeeping related to work performed.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform a variety of grounds maintenance duties, such as irrigation system maintenance and repair, chemical application of insecticides and pesticides.
• Perform general grounds maintenance including mowing, edging, raking, trimming and weeding.
• Maintain and repair sprinkler systems.
• Read, understand and update blueprints and schematics of irrigation systems.
• Use assigned or recommended methods for the control and eradication of pests, insects and weeds.
• Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance machines, equipment and power and hand tools.
• Comply with appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work cooperatively with others. Maintain routine records.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Not applicable – no permanent full-time staff to supervise.

CONTACTS:

Co-workers, other departmental staff, supervisors, faculty, and student workers.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate various tools and equipment in the grounds maintenance trade.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, crouching, sitting, lifting 50 to 100 pounds.
• Walking and standing for extended periods of time.
• Operate manual and power tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Outdoor environment.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Seasonal heat and cold and adverse weather conditions.
• Pollen. Indoor and outdoor environment.
• Exposure to pesticides and a variety of other chemicals.
• Working around and with machinery having moving parts.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Antelope Valley Community College District (AVC) is committed to employing administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success. AVC recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.

AVC is committed to hiring processes that support equal opportunity, diversity, and provide equitable consideration for all candidates as required in federal and state laws and regulations. To find out more about AVC, please visit our website at avc.edu.