Groundskeeper 3A

Joliet Junior College; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 4,101,115 - 4,146,576; Full time

Job summary

Joliet Junior College is looking for a full-time Groundskeeper 3A to maintain campus grounds and facilities. Responsibilities include operating various power equipment, snow removal, and supervising student workers. A valid Illinois Driver's License and a Pesticide Applicator's License are required.

Preferred qualifications include a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and experience in a related position. The Groundskeeper must work efficiently and contribute positively to the college's diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years full-time equivalent experience in a related position.
• Valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator's License or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Must pass a physical examination including lifting 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair campus grounds and facilities.
• Operate power equipment safely and effectively.
• Supervise part-time and student groundskeepers.

Skills

Mechanical ability in equipment repair

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to work with diverse people

Education

Associate’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field

Tools

Commercial mowers

String trimmers

Leaf blowers

Job description

Position Title: Groundskeeper 3A

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Groundskeeper, 3A
STATUS: Full‑time
DEPARTMENT: Facility Services
DIVISION: Administrative Services
CLASSIFICATION: Non‑exempt
UNION: Facility Services‑SEIU
REPORTS TO: Superintendent, Roads and Grounds
PLACEMENT: Buildings and Grounds Level 3A/3B
HIRING RANGE: 3A - $29.77 - $30.10 per hour
*Internal candidates (3B): Hourly rate is subject to the terms of the current union contract.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Roads & Grounds, and the day‑to‑day direction of the Lead Groundskeeper, the full‑time Groundskeeper is responsible for cleaning and maintaining campus grounds, equipment, buildings and all assigned areas in order to meet performance standards and provide safe, functional, and attractive grounds and facilities of the college.

Groundskeeper works with a team to water, mow, and maintain campus grounds as directed. Performs routine groundskeeper functions of the assigned common areas; reports needed repairs and/or maintenance to the appropriate party. Will also sweep parking lots and roadways, pick up trash, and may assist on other projects as directed. Work is primarily outdoors and will involve the use of power equipment such as lawnmowers, edger, string trimmer, and leaf blowers. Assures assigned work is completed in a professional efficient manner. Accountable for prompt, efficient customer service.

Essential Job Duties and Key Responsibilities

1. General upkeep of the exterior campus facilities.
2. Snow removal from campus roads, parking lots and sidewalks.
3. Prepare for athletic and other special events on campus.
4. Safe operation of equipment including: commercial mowers, industrial tractors/loaders, trailers, 15‑passenger van, sprayers, chain saws, 4x4 trucks, dump trucks, backhoe, string trimmers, irrigation equipment, utility vehicles and all related equipment.
5. Successfully maintain, repair, and operate the irrigation system and the controller.
6. Safe and accurate application of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticide products as listed on the label.
7. Maintain all Grounds Division equipment, inventory equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
8. Install and maintain campus landscapes.
9. Communicate all information necessary and report all damage of exterior campus facilities and equipment to the Superintendent of Roads & Grounds.
10. Receive training for grounds care.
11. This position will require 24‑hour on‑call status during snow removal season (approx. Mid‑November to Mid‑April).
12. Follow all applicable safety work rules and best practices, avoids unnecessary risks, and utilizes appropriate PPE.
13. Employee must perform all safety inspections and is responsible for ensuring our campus grounds, properties, vehicles, equipment, and other assets are in a safe and functional working condition and maintained at a presentable service level.
14. Employee must perform athletic field maintenance according to division specifications and tasks as assigned, including ballfield preps, end of the season renovations, painting field lines, and operating field maintenance equipment.
15. Employee must maintain trees according to industry standards and best management practices including; planting, tree removals, proper pruning, and plant health care management.
16. Employee must follow, understand, and adhere to all policies and procedures.
17. Full‑time Groundskeepers are responsible for supervising part‑time and student groundskeepers as assigned by communicating all job expectations, job knowledge, safety, productivity, and responsibilities.
18. Full‑time staff must meet a performance rating guide of "Meets Expectations" for job performance factors and goals such as: Job Knowledge, Knowledge of JJC, Quality of Work, Organization of Work, Initiative and Resourcefulness, Safety, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Work Ethic, Dependability, and Diversity and Inclusion.
19. All other related job duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Associate’s degree (in a related field such as Ornamental Horticulture), or a minimum of 2 years (full‑time equivalent) experience in a related position is required.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform essential job duties and responsibilities with limited or no supervision.
3. Meet attendance expectations with a history of punctuality.
4. Positively contribute to the department's culture.
5. Ability to follow specific verbal and/or written instructions.
6. Possess and maintain a minimum of a valid class "C" Non‑CDL Illinois Driver's License or obtain such license within the ninety (90) calendar day probationary period.
7. Possess a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator's License, or obtain such license within the ninety (90) calendar day probationary period with the following endorsements; Turfgrass, ornamental's, and Right‑of‑way.
8. High degree of mechanical ability in equipment repair.
9. Must pass physical examination including lifting 50 lbs. from ground to waist high.
10. Capable of working from heights.
11. Ability to communicate effectively.
12. Ability to work with people of diverse personalities, education, and cultural background.
13. Proficiency in Outlook and the ability to communicate using emails, proper use of the timeclock and proper input of time off request, and the ability to learn computer operations.
14. Possess a current Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Certified Landscape Technician certificate, or obtain such license within the ninety (90) calendar day probationary period.
15. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
16. Demonstrated commitment to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well‑being, innovation and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Four (4) years of successful experience in a related position preferred.
2. Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture is preferred.
3. Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Certificate.
4. International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
5. Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Certified Sports Field Manager (SFMA).
6. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
7. Demonstrated multicultural competence.

Physical Demands

1. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, use hands to finger, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms, climb ladders or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, see and hear, push/pull equipment and supplies.
2. Ability to lift, carry, stack and maneuver objects on a regular basis with a minimum weight of 50 lbs. is required.
3. Vision requirements include close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
4. Ability to work from a ladder or power lift above ground to a height of 30 feet.

Working Conditions

1. Work is indoors/outdoors.
2. The employee must be able to work safely in an environment containing chemicals, landscaping materials, dust and noise.
3. Frequently required to work under inclement weather conditions.
4. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.
5. Display knowledge of safe operation of equipment while maintaining the level of safety required and exhibited by JJC and OSHA requirements.

Equipment and/or Machines Used

Power equipment such as edger, leaf blowers, commercial mowers, industrial tractors/loaders, trailers, sprayers, chain saws, 4x4 trucks, dump trucks, backhoe, string trimmers, irrigation equipment, utility vehicles and all related equipment.

Additional Information

This full‑time position is considered a skilled level position with limited supervision necessary. To be considered qualified for future promotions, full‑time groundskeeper candidates must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to perform essential job duties and key responsibilities with level of supervision of the position applied for, achieved a minimum performance review rating that "meets expectations" for each performance factor, meet attendance expectations with a history of punctuality, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and positively contribute to the department's culture.

Benefits

Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Facilities Services‑SEIU

Full Time/Part Time

Full time