Groundskeeper III- Capitol Mall

Primary Location: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Position Type: Full Time - Monday - Friday, 7am-4pm or 8am-5pm (rotation). Must be available to work weekends when necessary. Schedule may change based on Agency's business needs

Hiring Rate: $4,000.00 / monthly

Salary Plan: A-12

Job Class (Code): Groundskeeper III (8034)

Posting Dates: October 17, until closed

Organizational Overview:

The State Preservation Board (SPB) was established for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and restoring the State Capitol and the 1857 General Land Office, which houses the Capitol Visitors Center. Since that time, Agency operations have expanded to include care of the Governor's Mansion, operating the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas State Cemetery, Capitol Mall and three Capitol Complex state office buildings. We provide educational programs centered on Texas history, government and culture. These services benefit the citizens of Texas and its visitors. For more information about the State Preservation Board visit

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and other insurances, a defined benefit pension and 401K retirement plans, parental leave, flexible spending and dependent care accounts options, free parking and free Museum Membership. For more information about State of Texas Employee benefits visit the Employees Retirement System.

Position Summary:

The Groundskeeper position will be based at the Texas State Cemetery or State Capitol and will perform grounds maintenance activities for all properties mentioned above. Groundskeepers are responsible for all landscaping areas, grounds equipment and facilities. Groundskeepers work as part of a team under the limited supervision of the Housekeeping & Grounds Manager, and the general supervision of the Grounds Supervisors with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Grounds staff are exposed to inclement, harsh weather conditions due to the nature of job duties. Groundskeepers display sound judgment and maintain a professional, respectful, and service-oriented focus when interacting with employees, visitors, and the public. *Work hours are based on the Agency's 360 day-per-year schedule and may include weekends, evenings and holidays, including on short notice.

Essential Job Duties: For purposes of this agency's job descriptions, "essential job duties" are defined as assigned tasks that are critical or fundamental to the position and not marginal. If an individual is qualified to perform the essential job duties, he or she must be able to perform the essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Continuously monitors and cleans the Capitol grounds, Texas State Cemetery, Governor's Mansion property, Bullock Museum grounds, Capitol Visitors Center and Visitor's Parking Garage locations including all the hardscape areas by removing and discarding leaves, dirt, rubbish, gum, daily trash pick up, graffiti, litter and debris.

· Properly trims and prunes tree branches in all assigned areas using chain saws, pole saws, loppers and or pruning shears.

· Performs turf grass mowing, edging, de-weeding, blowing and fertilization, sod prepping and installation.

· Drive agency vehicles and carts to haul supplies, materials and furniture. Will transport guests to gravesites as needed if working at the Cemetery.

· Safely operates and performs basic maintenance and cleaning of agency trucks, golf carts and other equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, blowers and trimmers by performing oil changes, changing parts, lubrication and adjustments as required.

· Cleans and performs preventative maintenance on fountains, monuments, benches, sidewalks, curbs, trash cans, and other historical artifacts.

· May repair broken and damaged benches, trash cans and grounds equipment.

· May install, inspect, repair, maintain, and set controller clock to irrigation systems.

· Assists in maintaining a clean, well-organized and clutter-free and safe Grounds shop. Replenishes supplies and assists supervisors in ordering stock, equipment and supplies..

· Perform all tasks pertaining to care and upkeep of flower beds including digging for plant installations, pruning, de- weeding, mulching, watering and fertilizing.

· Exerts necessary force to dig ditches and holes for sign posts, tree and flower planting.

· Performs mulching of all trees and flowerbeds at all locations.

· May oversee or provide input to contract workers as authorized by supervisor.

· Demonstrates initiative, focus and sustained efforts to: improve groundskeeping operations; decrease turnaround times; streamline work processes; work cooperatively with other team members and the public; and make a measurable difference in the cleanliness and general maintenance of the properties.

· Takes necessary precautions to work in a safe manner and use all related personal protective equipment including face coverings and gloves.

· Complies with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards, including handling of dangerous chemicals and pesticides.

· Maintains a professional, respectful, and service-oriented focus when interacting with employees, visitors and the public.

· Adheres to all agency, and department, policies and procedures.

· Regular attendance is an essential job duty for all SPB positions.

· Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Ability to plan work with safety and security front of mind. Works continuously to assesses safety conditions to ensure individual and workplace safety and safety of visitors and staff. Promotes visitor safety and building security.

· Knowledge of proper cleaning, maintenance, and gardening methods including safe use of chemicals, materials and equipment.

· Knowledge of correctly applying irrigation techniques using sprinklers, hoses and controller setting.

· The position is mentally and physically demanding and requires extensive walking throughout the grounds; applying physical exertion regularly, as well as interaction and verbal communication with internal / external staff and visitors.

· Ability to drive agency vehicles and carts to haul supplies, materials and furniture.

· Ability to use and manipulate equipment and tools that require fine motor skills coordination and eye-hand coordination.

· Ability to clean and performs preventative maintenance on fountains, sidewalks, curbs, trash cans, and other building structures.

· Ability to safely work with cleaning fluids, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, paints, cleaning agents or similar solutions using normal protective equipment. Ability to safely move and transport heavy objects (up to 50 pounds). Bends, kneels or stoops repeatedly in the course and scope of this job.

· Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and routines in English.

· Works in a highly visible and demanding environment with multiple competing priorities which require the ability to efficiently and independently prioritize the workload and multi-task to ensure tangible outcomes.

· This position requires visual acuity, mental focus and manual dexterity.

Minimum Qualifications:

· One year (1) experience in and knowledge of basic landscaping duties such as mowing, edging and blowing; have some knowledge using hand and power tools.

· Willing to learn using ladders, pressure washers, and landscaping tools.

· Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions and routines in English.

· Stable work history and availability to work some weekends and holidays as needed.

· Must possess a valid driver's license; have an acceptable driving record; and be capable of safely operating agency vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Two or more years of experience in grounds and landscaping and two (2) years repairing, maintaining and installing irrigation systems.

To Apply:

Submit a State of Texas application to the SPB by:Email: Mail or in person: 201 E. 14th Street, Suite 950, Austin, Texas, 78701Online (including cell phones) :

For an application and additional information: See:

or call: **All resumes must be accompanied by a fully completed state application.**

VETERANS:

Military Occupational Specialty Codes (MOS): Marines: 8000 General Service Marine.

Veterans with other related MOS or additional duties pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to to translate your military work experience and training into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets or for additional Military Crosswalk information go to

EEO Statement:

The State Preservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at

Selection Information:

At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service and may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

The State Preservation Board uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work weekends or holidays if necessary?
• Are you able and willing to drive a golf cart?

Experience:

• landscaping: 1 year (Required)
• using ladders, pressure washers, tools: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• and write in English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Austin, TX Required)

Work Location: In person