Groundskeeper (CM)

Township High School District 214; Arlington Heights (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Township High School District 214 seeks a Groundskeeper (CM) to maintain outdoor spaces at PHS, including landscaping, snow removal, and field setups. The role requires operating grounds equipment and ensuring safe handling of fuels and chemicals.

The position emphasizes physical stamina, adherence to safety standards, and a valid driver’s license, with a 12-month assignment and 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Must have regular attendance with no occurrences of attendance abuse.
• Must communicate effectively with students, staff and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must use prescribed safety and PPE correctly.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs frequently and up to 80 lbs occasionally.
• Capable of difficult physical labor in heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.
• Capable of climbing stairs and ladders; work from scaffolding or lifts occasionally.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Experience in landscape work and athletic field maintenance.
• Ability to operate grounds equipment and vehicles.
• Experience with tractors and mowers and related equipment.
• Must maintain grounds-keeping machinery; perform maintenance as needed.
• Current IDOA operator’s license.
• District-recognized grounds maintenance course; IHSA field rules training.
• District Training Committee may pre-approve recognized courses.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge and physical ability for routine manual work on lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Layout and setup athletic fields per IHSA rules; keep fields in good condition.
• Perform snow removal and salting.
• Keep grounds, parking areas, and tools clean and maintained.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment and vehicles safely.
• Observe codes and report safety or maintenance issues to supervisor.

Skills

Attendance record

Communication skills

Instruction following

PPE safety use

Lifting up to 80lbs

Outdoor physical work

Stairs & ladders

Driver's license

Landscape maintenance

Athletic field maintenance

Equipment operation

Tractor & mower use

Equipment maintenance

Ag operator license

IHSA course trained

Education

Grounds maintenance training

IHSA field rules training

IDOA license training

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Groundskeeper (CM) Initial Location: PHS 40 hours/week Effective: September 11, 2026

SALARY

Grade I, MMS14, Step 1, $27.64

Salary schedule is listed in the CMA agreement linked here.

ASSIGNMENT

12 Month

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform duties necessary to maintain a safe, secure, attractive, and clean outdoor environment to meet the needs of students, staff, and the general public. This would include cleaning, snow removal, operating and maintaining grounds equipment, setting up outdoor sports and other activities, and any special projects assigned. Ensure the proper application, storage, and use of all grounds-related chemicals and fuels. Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all grounds related equipment and systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Maintained regular attendance with no occurrences of attendance abuse during the previous two years as described in Article 13 Section E of the current agreement.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and appropriately, as well as exhibit patience and understanding with students, staff, and the general public.
• Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to use prescribed safety and personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a frequent basis and up to 80 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to perform difficult physical labor in variable weather conditions such as hot, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders on a frequent basis, and work from scaffolding and lifts on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, twist, and reach while performing various assignments as well as operate all related equipment.
• Must have an appropriate and valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must have the knowledge, skills, and physical ability in landscape work and athletic field maintenance.
• Must have the knowledge, skills, and physical ability to operate tractors, mowers, trucks, and other vehicles and equipment as is necessary in performance of the job.
• Must have demonstrated the ability to properly care for and maintain grounds-keeping machinery and equipment.
• Must have a current Illinois Department of Agriculture operator's license.
• Must have successfully completed a District-recognized course in grounds maintenance, and a District-recognized course in IHSA rules and regulations for athletic field layout.
• The District Training Committee will attempt to identify and pre-approve all recognized courses. If the committee is unable to identify a recognized course, equivalent training and work experience as approved by the committee may be accepted.

* Employees are encouraged to enhance their qualifications by participating in an OJT Program.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

• Maintain the knowledge, skills, and physical ability necessary to perform routine manual work in the planting, fertilizing, and spraying of lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees, the pruning of trees and shrubs, mowing and trimming of the grassy areas and maintenance of exterior finishes.
• Maintain the knowledge, skills, and physical ability necessary to layout and set up fields according to current IHSA rules and regulations, and to maintain the athletic fields in good condition.
• Maintain a current Illinois Department of Agriculture operator's license.
• Perform snow removal and salting.
• Keep grounds and parking areas clean and orderly.
• Keep tools, equipment, and vehicles clean, properly maintained, and stored.
• Secure school equipment to prevent unauthorized use.
• Perform inside work as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintain an appropriate and valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Be observant and inform the supervisor of potential trouble spots in the operation of building systems and equipment to prevent a failure or breakdown.
• Observe and comply with appropriate required codes.
• Perform assigned tasks in the amount of time appropriate to the task at hand.
• Identify and take action to remedy potential safety and health problems.
• Project a positive image of the District to students, staff, and the general public.
• Report in writing to the supervisor any observed misuses and needed repairs to school property.
• Participate in District-sponsored training programs to maintain and update knowledge, skills, certifications and licenses as required for this position.
• Effectively communicate and appropriately respond to various forms of electronic communication provided by the District.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our district. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.