Groundskeeper IV

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Groundskeeper IV to join our team at the Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services. As a senior-level groundskeeping professional, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving the appearance of our facilities, including mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and ensuring the effective operations of sprinkler systems.

Key Responsibilities:
• Perform highly complex senior-level groundskeeping work at a State Supported Living Center or State Hospital
• Maintain and improve the appearance of grounds and flower beds, including mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and ensuring the effective operations of sprinkler systems
• Remove, plant, and trim trees and shrubs
• Assign and prioritize the work of other groundskeeping staff to accomplish daily and weekly tasks most effectively
• Serve as a team lead on groundskeeping projects and maintain the schedules for routine work
• Safely and efficiently operate power- and gas-operated equipment to complete duties and train others to use the equipment
• Ensure groundskeeping tools, supplies, and equipment are well maintained and accounted for
• Perform minor repairs on equipment in accordance with training and skill level
• Ensure parking lots, roads, fences, and sidewalks are free from obstructions and in good repair
• Minimize the presence and impact of nuisance animals at the facility, including snakes, rodents, and feral cats
• Perform some maintenance duties as needed in conjunction with maintenance staff
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the overall safe operations of the facility

Requirements:
• Ability to safely fell and remove large trees in and around buildings and other infrastructures
• Knowledge, skill, and ability associated with minimizing the presence of nuisance animals such as rodents, snakes, and feral cats
• General knowledge of horticulture and landscape design, and the skill and ability to apply that knowledge to landscape projects
• Skill in safely operating power equipment such as mowers, power clippers, tractors, chain saws, backhoes, and/or pruning shears, and a variety of hand and power tools used in construction/repair
• Ability to meet facility driver requirements
• Ability to speak and read English
• Ability to read, understand, and apply a variety of inter-related instructions such as those found in guidelines, regulations, and policies
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to train and lead others
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in hot and/or cold conditions
• Ability to work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and residents
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to withstand long periods of standing, bending, and walking
• Ability to maintain and care for hand and power tools and equipment
• Ability to teach other groundskeepers to detect diseases in plants and grasses

Working Conditions:
• Works under general supervision of the Maintenance Technician Supervisor or other appropriate staff depending on facility structure, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment
• May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility
• May work some weekend and/or after-hours callouts to respond to situations impacting safe facility operations

Why Work with Us:
• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity, and (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas
• We are a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments
• We value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence

How to Apply:
If you are a motivated and experienced groundskeeping professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role, please submit your application to join our team.

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