Grounds Lead Worker

Title: Grounds Lead Worker

VP Area: Administration & Finance - UMW

Department: Grounds

Campus Location: Main Campus

Advertised Range: $32,842 to $35,000 (Payband 3A:)

Job Summary/Basic Functions

Known for its exceptional urban canopy and landscape, UMW Lead Groundskeepers will lead and perform general landscape and grounds maintenance duties on the UMW Campuses and other university holdings. This position will be a working crew member, coordinating with supervisors daily for projects and tasks. You will maintain designated campus turf and landscape areas, strive for a safe workplace and ensure that assigned equipment is safely and efficiently used and maintained.

Functioning independently or with a crew, Lead Groundskeepers:
--utilize gas-powered or battery-powered equipment, trim, blow, clean up and transport leaves, tree limbs, mulch, debris, etc.
--address frequent service calls and emergencies such a spill, animal issues or asphalt patching.
--while working, monitor the campus daily, promptly reporting unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment or facilities to management.
--safely operate Z-turn mowers, tractors and other equipment: hand and self-propelled machines and tools including string trimmers, walk-behind mowers, blowers, snow blowers, plows, sanders, digging bars, rakes and shovels to achieve required sustainable landscape standards.
--support litter and recycling collection during the week and special events.
--understand and demonstrate safe operation, storage and basic maintenance of vehicles, tools and equipment.
--wear appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

This position has been deemed essential as defined in Policy No. 1.04 of the Department of Personnel and Training Policies and Procedures Manual. This position is designated to report to UMW during emergencies or when the University closes during uncertain weather conditions.

Required Experience:

Minimum of one year of professional residential, commercial, municipal, park, turf or similar groundskeeping experience.

Measurable experience in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of commercial power grounds maintenance equipment.

Working knowledge of species of turf, woody and herbaceous plant material or strong desire to learn.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Additional Considerations:

KSAs
Knowledge and experience with horticultural pesticide application; VDACS pesticide applicator certification (or ability to obtain within one year of employ). Knowledge of and experience with identification of ornamental pests and disruptions to healthy growth.

EDUCATION
B.S. or A.S. in Horticulture, Agriculture Technology, Turf Management or related course study.

Experience
Experience with horticultural pesticide application preferred. Experience with identification of ornamental pests and diseases and other disruptions to healthy growth. Experience in fine/estate gardening and maintenance.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
VDACS Pesticide Registered Technician or Commercial Applicator Certification and respirator certification preferred.

The University of Mary Washington is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.