Sr. Groundskeeper

McLennan Community College; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

McLennan Community College is seeking a Grounds Technician to maintain the landscape and support a safe, sustainable campus environment. The role reports to the Grounds Manager and focuses on turf care, pruning, seasonal planting, and irrigation basics.

Candidates should be able to perform physical labor, operate commercial equipment, and work outdoors in various conditions while following safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of turf care, pruning, seasonal planting, soil health, and weed/pest control.
• Experience with commercial landscape equipment operation and maintenance (mowers, blowers, trimmers, tractors, lifts, skid steers, etc.).
• Familiarity with irrigation basics including troubleshooting and minor repairs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscape to create an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space and a safe learning environment.
• Perform lawn mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and debris removal using commercial equipment.
• Follow safety procedures, PPE guidelines, and proper chemical handling; report hazards.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Irrigation basics

Safety adherence

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Communication: We will be open and courageous in our communication with students and with one another. Excellence: We will strive for excellence in all that we do. We will actively plan for the future, seeking new and innovative ways to accomplish our mission. Inclusiveness: We will seek to appreciate and understand our students and each other, actively seeking different viewpoints. We will work to create a welcoming environment where our diverse community of students and employees learn, teach, and work together. Integrity: We will work with the highest level of integrity, taking responsibility for all of our actions. We will tell the truth and seek to be fair in our decision-making and actions. People: We will be honest, humble, respectful, and gracious to our students and to each other. We best serve our students, colleagues, and community when we work as a team.

****POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED****

Maintain the landscape to provide an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space emphasizing safety and sustainability and providing a positive learning environment. This position works under the general supervision of the Grounds Manager and does not supervise other employees.

Note: This is a security-sensitive position. Applicants being seriously considered for employment will be required to complete a background check.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Knowledge of: 1. Grounds and horticultural practices including turf care, pruning, seasonal planting, soil health, and weed/pest control; 2. Commercial landscape equipment operation and maintenance (mowers, blowers, trimmers, tractors, lifts, skid steers, etc.); 3. Irrigation system basics including troubleshooting, minor repairs, and water-conservation practices; 4. Workplace safety rules and procedures, including PPE, chemical handling, traffic control, and equipment safety; 5. Basic preventive maintenance for small engines and grounds vehicles;
• Skills in: 6. Large-scale mowing, trimming, edging, and debris removal with commercial equipment;7. Tree and shrub care, including safe pruning and cleanup; 8. Irrigation diagnostics and minor repair; 9. Landscape bed design, installation, mulching, and seasonal upkeep; 10. Planning and organizing work independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to: 11. Perform sustained physical labor (lift 50+ lbs., bend, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions); 12. Work safely in outdoor extremes while maintaining situational awareness; 13. Recognize and respond to hazards and follow safety procedures without exception; 14. Communicate clearly and respectfully with supervisors, co-workers, and campus community members; 15. Adapt to changing weather, schedules, and campus priorities without loss of quality or safety; 16. Learn and apply new methods, equipment, or compliance requirements as directed by management or policy; 17. Report to work reliably and on time to ensure consistent coverage of campus grounds operations; 18. Provide caring, high-quality service by creating welcoming experiences, communicating clearly and proactively, addressing needs with professionalism and empathy, and ensuring individuals are thoughtfully connected to appropriate resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Exertive-Significant exertion on a daily basis. Awkward positions and sustained activities require strength. Frequent moderate lifting is required. Continual Exposure for Recurring Risk-At least half of each week requires exposure to sensory extremes. Several times weekly there may be exposure to chance of injury or loss of life, requiring additional safety precautions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Special Requirement: Must have and maintain a valid driver's license. Must be insurable and maintain insurability under the College's automobile insurance policy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Some work experience in landscaping or related field