Grounds Specialist

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 71,435,000 - 96,650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (health)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Supplemental life insurance

Dependent life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Retirement plans

Job summary

South Washington County Schools is seeking a Grounds Specialist to care for outdoor grounds, athletic fields, irrigation systems, and exterior facilities. Under the daily direction of the Grounds Foreman, you will operate a range of commercial equipment and help ensure safe campus access.

The position offers a starting wage of $29.33/hour and a comprehensive benefits package. Requirements include a high school diploma, valid driver's license with a clean record, and 3 years of verifiable grounds

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Three years verifiable experience in full-time grounds maintenance.
• Three years verifiable experience operating plow trucks.
• Three years verifiable experience performing commercial equipment maintenance.
• State of Minnesota Category A and E Pesticide Applicators license within six months.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexible to adapt working hours around weather events.
• Good communication with students, parents, staff, and community.
• Demonstrates appreciation of diversity.

Responsibilities

• Perform turf care including mowing, trimming, edging, aeration, fertilization, weed control, and overseeding.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, landscaped areas, stormwater features, and naturalized grounds.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides per state regs.
• Prepare athletic fields for practice and competitions including lining and grooming.
• Set up and remove athletic equipment and portable structures.
• Monitor field conditions and propose maintenance needs.
• Assist irrigation start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment including tractors and plow trucks.
• Record tasks and repairs in district work order system.
• Respond to routine and emergency maintenance requests.
• Adjust hours for winter weather; on-call as needed.
• Coordinate with contractors and district staff.

Skills

Excellent driving record

Strong physical fitness

Reliable attendance

Positive communication

Diversity awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Plow trucks operation

Equipment maintenance tools

Job description

Position Grounds Specialist Location District Service Center Working Days Monday-Friday Hours 6:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Labor Grade IV Wage Information Starting at $29.33/hour License Pay Pesticide A - $.90 and Pesticide E - $.55

Benefits:

SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being.

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the daily direction of the Grounds Foreman, the Maintenance Grounds Specialist is responsible for the care, maintenance, and improvement of outdoor grounds, athletic fields, irrigation systems, paved surfaces, and exterior facilities. The position requires a high level of independence, strong technical skills, and the ability to operate a wide range of commercial equipment. This position also requires flexibility in work hours during weather-related events to ensure safe campus access.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform all aspects of turf care including mowing, trimming, edging, aeration, fertilization, weed control, and overseeding.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, landscaped areas, stormwater features, and naturalized grounds.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in compliance with state regulations and district procedures.
• Prepare natural and synthetic athletic fields for practices and competitions including lining, dragging, grooming, and field repairs.
• Set up and remove athletic equipment, goals, nets, and portable structures.
• Monitor field conditions and propose maintenance or renovation needs.
• Assist with irrigation start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Safely operate and maintain commercial grounds equipment including tractors, utility vehicles, plow trucks, loaders, and skid steers.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on equipment and coordinate repairs when needed.
• Use district work order systems to record tasks, track repairs, and close assignments.
• Respond independently to routine and emergency maintenance requests.
• Plow, shovel, and treat walkways, parking lots, and sidewalks.
• Adjust work hours as needed during winter weather events including early morning, evening, weekend, or on-call responses.
• Assist with labor support for carpentry and mechanical maintenance staff when directed.
• Work cooperatively with contractors, seasonal staff, and district personnel.
• Provide consistent professional communication with all interested parties regarding work performed.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license, restrictions preventing the operation of district equipment are not allowed.
• Excellent driving record.
• Three years verifiable experience in full-time grounds maintenance in a commercial setting.
• Three years verifiable experience operating plow trucks in a commercial setting.
• Three years verifiable experience performing commercial equipment maintenance.
• State of Minnesota Category A and E Pesticide Applicators license within six months of start date.
• High level of physical fitness with an ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance, with flexibility to adapt working hours around weather events.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions

Desired:

• College-level education in turf grass management and/or heavy equipment maintenance.
• Class A or B commercial driver's license.
• Experience operating GPS guided robots.
• Experience in athletic coaching or in youth sports.
• Certified member of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER