Groundskeeper I - Parks and Forestry

City of Norfolk; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norfolk seeks a Groundskeeper to support Parks and Forestry crews in bed maintenance and general grounds care at 2839 Dana Street, Norfolk, VA.

You will operate a variety of tools and light vehicles, trim trees and shrubs, and assist with safety and emergency duties. One month of landscaping experience is required; six months preferred. A valid driver's license and pesticide certification within 12 months are necessary.

Qualifications

• One month of experience in greenhouse or landscaping.
• Preferred six months experience.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Registered Pesticide Technician (Category 60) required within twelve months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds, mow lawns, trim trees and shrubs, sweep, remove debris and prepare flower beds.
• Secure areas for public safety during emergencies and assist emergency personnel as needed.
• Assist with funeral services by erecting tents, preparing records and reports.
• Provide foundation services by digging holes, pouring concrete and placing markers.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment, check fluids and sharpen blades.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Mowing lawns

Tree/shrub pruning

Equipment operation

Education

Less than high school equivalency

Tools

Push mower

String trimmer

Blower

Chain saw

Pruners

Shovel

Rake

Broom

Job description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk's Department of Parks and Recreation is currently seeking Groundskeepers for our Parks and Forestry crews. This position is to perform all aspects of bed maintenance. This is to include chemical spraying, mulching, hedge and shrub trimming, tree pruning, mowing, weed trimming and edging. Skills using tools typically found in grounds maintenance operations are desired. These include, push mowers, string trimmers, blowers, chain saws, hand pruners, shovels, rakes, brooms, etc. and operating a variety of vehicles. Able to work alone or in a group.

Norfolk's department of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce it has been awarded national accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies. This ensures we will continue to provide quality recreational services that enrich the lives of Norfolk's residents.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Maintains the grounds, cleans area and assists with landscaping by cleaning sidewalks, mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, sweeping, loading wood debris, feeding a chipper and using a blower to remove sawdust, chips and shavings, removing trees and stumps, operating chippers and stump grinders, raking leaves, sweeping and edging, preparing and planting flower beds, seeding the lawns, caring for plants, removing insects and picking up litter.
• Secures areas for public safety in emergencies by clearing streets, walkways, moving trash cans and loose pots, removing branches, bushes and refuse from grounds, assisting emergency personnel and being on call to respond to emergencies.
• Assists with funeral services by erecting tents, assisting with grave digging, filling in graves, disposing of funeral flowers, keeping records and preparing reports
• Provides foundation service by digging holes, mixing and pouring concrete and moving and installing markers.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment by checking fluid levels, refueling, checking tire pressure, fuses and light bulbs, cleaning, adjusting and sharpening chain saws, changing and sharpening chipper blades and stump grinder teeth and greasing.

Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency.

Required:

• One (1) month of experience in greenhouse or landscaping or in a related field.

Preferred:

• Six (6) months experience.

• Valid Driver's License.
• Registered Pesticide Technician (Category 60) required within twelve months of employment.

Work Location:

2839 Dana Street, Norfolk, VA 23509

Work Hours:

M-F 6:30 am - 3:00 pm, work hours are subject to change, may be subject to work weekend as needed