Groundskeeper (CM)

Township High School District 214; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Township High School District 214 is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain outdoor spaces across district facilities. The role involves operating grounds equipment, snow removal, and setting up fields for activities in all weather.

A valid Illinois driver's license, state operator license, and district-approved courses in grounds maintenance are required. Salary is Grade I MMS14 Step 1 at $27.64 per hour, with a 12-month assignment.

Qualifications

• Must have regular attendance with no attendance abuse per district agreement.
• Must communicate effectively with students, staff and the public.
• Must understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must use prescribed safety equipment and PPE.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs frequently and 80 lbs occasionally.
• Must perform physical labor in varied weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe, secure, attractive outdoor environments for students, staff and the public; assist with snow removal and setup of outdoor activities.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment and fuels; ensure proper storage and use of chemicals.
• Perform snow removal and salting; keep grounds and parking areas clean and orderly.
• Prepare athletic fields per IHSA rules and regulations; maintain exterior finishes and landscaping.
• Report and address safety hazards; communicate with supervisor about repairs and equipment needs.
• Participate in district training programs to update knowledge, certifications, and licenses.

Skills

Communication

Instruction following

Safety PPE usage

Physical stamina

Heavy lifting

Driver's license

Landscape maintenance knowledge

Observant & proactive

Education

District-recognized course in grounds maintenance

IHSA rules & athletic field layout course

Tools

Tractor operation

Mower operation

Equipment maintenance

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.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

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.