Grounds Maintenance Worker II - North Routes

City of Lakeland, FL; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakeland, Florida is seeking a skilled Grounds Maintenance Worker to maintain and improve City parks and properties. The role involves operating trucks and landscaping equipment, performing minor construction tasks, and ensuring safe, functional public spaces for community use.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of general labor/grounds maintenance experience. Valid driver's license is required, with CDL and essential certifications to be obtained

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of general labor and grounds maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL may be required within one year.
• Possession of Florida-Friendly BMP certification within one year.
• Possession of (Chapter 482) LLO Pesticide License within one year.

Responsibilities

• Assist or lead a small workgroup in maintenance and construction on City properties.
• Operate equipment including trucks, tractors, mowing equipment, front-end loaders, and backhoes.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
• Conduct safety inspections as required.
• Perform gardening, pruning, and landscape maintenance tasks.
• Handle all phases of landscape installation and maintenance, including weeding and bed maintenance.
• May participate in training and may work overtime as needed.
• Position is designated Mission Critical.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Motorized equipment

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Truck operation

Front-end loader

Backhoe

Job description

This skilled position is crucial to maintaining and improving City parks and other City-owned properties. It includes grounds maintenance, operating equipment, and performing minor construction work. This role is essential to ensuring public spaces are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for community use. The work is subject to review both during and after completion.

• Assists and may lead a small workgroup in maintenance and construction work on various City properties.
• Operates equipment such as trucks, tractors, mowing equipment, front-end loaders, and backhoes for construction and maintenance activities.
• Uses small power-operated equipment, including mowers, edgers, clippers, and other associated equipment used in landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment, including cleaning and upkeep.
• Conducts safety inspections as required.
• Checks and repairs automatic and mechanical systems, including clocks, valves, and heads.
• Interacts with user groups on the properties.
• Participates in emergency response teams for incidents such as natural disasters.
• Performs minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
• Executes skilled gardening, pruning, and maintenance tasks.
• Handles all phases of landscape installation and maintenance, including weeding and plant bed maintenance.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the organization.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May supervise large work areas in the absence of senior maintenance personnel.
• May perform general custodial duties at public facilities.
• May be asked to perform similar work as needed at other facilities.
• May mix pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

• High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
• One year of experience in general labor and grounds maintenance work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid driver's license as required by the employing department/division.
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Class "A" or "B" commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements as required by the employing department or obtain one within one year of employment (determined by the supervisor).
• Must possess and maintain a Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries – Certification, as required by the employing department/division within one year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a (Chapter 482) Limited Lawn and Ornamental (LLO) Pesticide Application License as required by the employing department/division within one year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Tools and their uses.
• Use of motorized equipment.
• Safety precautions for working with and around mechanized equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

ABILITIES:

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Detect and report plant-related problems, such as diseases, lack of water, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, City employees, and the general public.
• Climb in and out of large trucks.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Heavy work that involves lifting, shoveling, walking, or standing most of the time, carrying 35-50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis, along with exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently.
• Climbing in and out of large trucks frequently.
• Risks exposure to bright/dim light, wet/humid conditions, disease, pathogens, extreme noise levels, traffic, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, noxious odors, moving machinery, heights, dust, pollen, and extreme cold/heat.
• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e‑mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE