Groundskeeper-Chandor Gardens

Gfoat; Weatherford (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandor Gardens is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to support the upkeep and operations of the gardens under the direction of the Horticulturist.

Responsibilities include operating hand tools and equipment, seasonal color changes, planting and mulching, irrigation maintenance, fertilizing, and assisting Master Gardeners. Strong safety, communication with visitors, and dedication to a neat, safe environment are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable about plant varieties, growing habits and requirements.
• Knowledgeable about safe use of herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides.
• Knowledgeable about irrigation systems, controllers, pond pumps and fountains.

Responsibilities

• Operate hand tools and power equipment for garden maintenance.
• Perform seasonal color changes, planting, mulching and tree/shrub care.
• Trim plant material, lawns and turf as part of routine maintenance.
• Maintain irrigation systems, ponds and fountains and troubleshoot as needed.
• Water grounds manually when necessary and keep pathways clean and safe.

Skills

Plant varieties knowledge

Herbicides & fertilizers safety

Irrigation systems knowledge

General maintenance

Public interaction

Record keeping

Attendance reliability

Job description

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Horticulturist, the employee performs work related to the maintenance of Chandor Gardens.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Routinely operates various hand tools and powered equipment such as clippers, shovels, rakes, picks, chain saws, riding and push lawnmowers, weed eaters, edgers, blowers, etc. in the repair and maintenance of Chandor Gardens.
• Completes seasonal color changes for spring and fall months consisting of the removal of plant material, composting, tilling, planting and mulching in addition to regular planting of trees, shrubs and various other plant materials.
• Regularly trims seasonal plant material, trees, shrubs and turfgrass.
• Performs routine audits, maintenance, and troubleshooting of irrigation systems, ponds, and fountains to ensure proper functioning.
• Hand waters Chandor grounds as necessary; sweeps, blows and rakes off trafficked pathways and sidewalks, etc. to maintain clean and safe environment for visitors.
• Applies fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides to treat lawns, shrubs, trees and other plant material safely.
• Responds in a respectful manner to inquiries and complaints from the public regarding plant material and the history of Chandor Gardens.
• Performs minor maintenance duties of equipment such as changing oil.
• Maintains a professional and friendly relationship with Chandor Gardens Foundation members and regularly performs job duties alongside Master Gardeners during scheduled Master Gardener workdays.
• Assists Master Gardeners with greenhouse duties such as watering and propagating plant material.
• Occasionally performs various masonry work to repair rock pathways, ponds, and fountains.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable of various plant varieties, growing habits, and requirements.
• Knowledgeable of proper use and safety of numerous herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Knowledgeable of irrigation systems, controllers, pond pumps and fountains.
• Some knowledge of building maintenance such as painting and minor plumbing and repair work.
• Ability to operate light equipment, hand tools, and power tools such as lawnmower, weed eater, tractor, saws, wrenches, shovels, post hole digger, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers via telephone and face-to-face interactions.
• Ability to write records and reports.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual levels of attendance are essential job functions and expectations of this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, crouch and kneel for extended periods of time to perform planting and maintenance duties.
• Ability to climb heights up to 30 feet on ladders, stairs, and in trees.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, and twist while performing maintenance duties.
• Ability to operate small equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, edgers, blowers and chainsaws.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull equipment or materials weighing up to 100 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The above knowledge and skill may be gained by responsible experience performing grounds maintenance duties OR by any combination of training and experience leading to the described level of knowledge and skill.
• Must have valid Texas Driver’s License and driving record must meet or surpass guidelines as set forth by the City.
• May be required to attain a Texas Department of Agriculture non-commercial license.