Groundskeeper

Unit: Facilities Operations Admin

Department: Facilities Ops Admin

Duties & Responsibilities:

VCU’s Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire a Groundskeeper within the Facilities Operations unit in order to maintain a healthy, safe, attractive landscape on the Academic and Medical Campuses.

The Groundskeeper completes assignments in a timely manner in accordance with department standards; maintains landscapes while working under the direction of a lead worker and supervisor; observes and reports waste/landscape maintenance needs; informs supervisors of problems with particular tasks and seeks direction; and may work weekends (Saturday and Sunday), holidays, and special events (after hours) as needed.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Litter Control

• Sweeps and collects litter and debris from turf and landscaped areas, sidewalks, streets, and alleys with various hand tools and power equipment including litter vacuum machine
• Empties trash cans and replaces trash can liners for assigned exterior trash and recycling containers
• Keeps recycling waste stream separate from trash destined for landfill
• Reports and corrects trash and recycling container maintenance issues including stickers, graffiti, wear, or other damage in accordance with University policy
• Supports litter collection during special events

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Understands and demonstrates safe operation of vehicles, tools, and equipment
• Performs visual and fluid checks on power equipment and vehicles
• Recognizes and corrects unsafe conditions or practices
• Identifies maintenance needs, performs basic maintenance such as adding fluids, inflating tires, or adjusting tools as needed
• Reports any damage and/or needed repairs to supervisor
• Work areas, tools, and equipment are organized, secure, and maintained in good condition

Timekeeping

• Independently enters accurate timecards in computer on a daily basis using correct work orders in accordance with AiM SOPs

Other Duties

• This position is designated to work at VCU during emergencies or when the University closes during uncertain weather conditions. This position is also subject to being designated as "on-call."
• Safely operates vehicles, tools, and equipment including snow removal tools and equipment (plows, spreaders, 4x4 vehicles, and off-road vehicles), chainsaws, pruning tools, blowers, mowers, etc. in normal and in adverse conditions
• Wears appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy
• Identifies, corrects, or reports potential hazards to safe work, customers, and the public
• Follows instructions of lead workers or other supervisors; may be responsible for team during supervisor or lead worker absence
• Performs assigned tasks in accordance with department standards
• Other duties as assigned including but not limited to mowing, mulching, weed control, leaf collection, and snow removal

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Able to perform a repetitive, physically demanding tasks daily
• Able to safely operate vehicles in a congested environment
• Able to work and communicate effectively with others
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Able to use a personal computer to enter accurate time cards and charge time against multiple work requests
• General knowledge of professional landscape maintenance practices and grounds equipment and the safe operation of same
• Nights weekends and holidays may be required during special events, emergencies and inclement weather
• Valid Driver License is required
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• VDACS - Registered Technician or commercial pesticide License or able to obtain within 6 months of hire preferred
• History of working outside in a landscape environment

Salary Range: $35,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday; 6:30am-3:00pm; may be needed to work overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays; may be needed to work during special events, emergencies, and inclement weather; may need to be on-call.

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 17031N - Groundskeeper FM 1