Groundskeeper

City of Portales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales is seeking a Groundskeeper to perform routine care and maintenance of city parks, cemetery, and facilities. The role involves physical labor outdoors in varied weather, with some heavy lifting and operation of tools and light to heavy equipment.

Shifts are 40 hours per week with potential for weekend or holiday work. Valid NM driver’s license required; prior experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma desired.
• Previous experience desired, but not required.
• Must possess and maintain current New Mexico driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to operate and maintain various manual and/or motor driven tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Must operate backhoe and other heavy equipment safely.
• Ability to follow through on work assignments.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Digging and closing of graves at cemetery.
• Watering, raking, mowing, and trimming of lawns, shrubs, and trees.
• Minor maintenance on sprinkler systems.
• Assisting custodian with sweeping, mopping, and buffing floors.
• Hauling and shoveling of dirt and/or snow; removing brush, limbs, and debris.
• Washing and degreasing equipment.
• Light maintenance on vehicles and equipment used.
• Changing light bulbs in ball parks.
• Preparation of City Pool; painting, repairs and maintenance of building and pool.
• Promotes a positive image of the City and provides exemplary customer service.

Skills

Physical stamina

Backhoe operation

Safety awareness

Driving skills

Light to heavy lifting

Education

High School diploma desired

Tools

Manual and motor-driven tools

Job description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO

POSITION POSTING #2025-016

POSITION: GROUNDSKEEPER

DEPARTMENT: PARKS/CEMETERY

STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: PARKS CREW CHIEF

SHIFT: FT REGULAR - 40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY: $13.48 PER HOUR / $23,038.40 ANNUALLY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This job is subject to supervision by the Crew Chief and requires performance of numerous and varied routine duties involved in the overall care, maintenance, and general operation of the city's parks, recreational facilities, and cemetery. Work involves light to heavy lifting as well as light maintenance on buildings, vehicles, and equipment. Must be able to perform physical labor for sustained periods of time with exposure to the elements. A willingness to work in all weather conditions and irregular hours, weekends and holidays as necessary is required. This job has a possibility of promotion to other positions with similar duties and responsibilities, depending on openings within the organization.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Digging and closing of graves at cemetery.
2. Watering, raking, mowing, and trimming of lawns, shrubs, and trees.
3. Minor maintenance on sprinkler systems.
4. Assisting custodian with sweeping, mopping, and buffing of floors, along with other custodial functions.
5. Hauling and shoveling of dirt and/or snow; removing brush, limbs, and other debris.
6. Washing and degreasing equipment.
7. Light maintenance on vehicles and equipment used.
8. Changing light bulbs in ball parks.
9. Preparation of City Pool; i.e., painting, repairs and maintenance of building and pool.
10. Performs job duties in a way that promotes a positive image of the City organization and the department; demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and delivers exemplary customer service.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

1. High School diploma desired.
2. Previous experience desired, but not required.
3. Must possess and maintain current New Mexico driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
4. Ability to operate and maintain various manual and/or motor driven tools in a safe in effective manner.
5. Must operate backhoe and other heavy equipment safely.
6. Ability to follow through on work assignments.
7. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Additional comments on Physical Requirements:

Applicant must be able to lift 50 to 75 pounds continuously. Requires constant physical efforts, and may be exposed to dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including use of safety equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Ability to work both inside and outside.
2. Ability to work in all types of weather; extreme cold temperatures, extreme heat temperatures and extreme wet/humid temperatures.
3. Ability to work with intermittent noise levels. Noise levels may be moderate to loud in work environment.
4. Ability to work with fumes, dust, odors and poor ventilation.
5. Ability to work in multiple surfaces; even, flat/hard, inclined/ramps, uneven, stairs, dry, wet, dust and natural ground.
6. Ability to work alone with or without directions.

WORK SCHEDULE

The regular workweek is 40 hours - Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schedule may change according to work load and season. Additional time may be required to work after regular hours, on weekends, and holidays.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.
2. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:

1. Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.
2. Employees must maintain a source of communications.

Position has possibility of promotion based on performance, and accomplishment of training goals

The City of Portales is and Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.

I have received the job description posting and I am capable of performing the essential functions for the position.

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Applicant Signature Date