Grounds Worker II

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Alphawood Arboretum at the Illinois Institute of Technology is a certified Level 1 Arboretum. The Grounds Worker II with arborist skills is responsible for the physical aspects of all arboricultural project work associated with the tree canopy including: planting; pruning; tree care; tree health and maintenance; and removal; as well as, coordinating the work of external contractors and/or vendors. Provides tree care to ensure a safe, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for students, staff, faculty and tenants. Drives university vehicles and operates machinery and equipment associated with tree care.. Works in buildings, grounds, roof tops, confined spaces in varying weather conditions and emergency situations such as flooding and snow storms. This position reports to the Grounds Foreman in the field and the Arboretum Manager COMMUNICATIONS Interacts in a cooperative manner with tenants, staff, co-workers, faculty, contractors and supervisors. Communicates with management, team members and Illinois Tech colleagues to achieve positive results. Escalates equipment or safety problems/issues to Grounds Foremen. Must be able to read and interpret documents and diagrams, such as read equipment safety operation instructions, and read, interpret, and apply landscape plans. Communicates arboretum information, tree data and statistics, and campus history to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Provides supports for on campus tree and arboretum related programming and events. CUSTOMER SERVICE This position provides a high level of customer service to students, faculty and staff of the university. Provides a welcoming environment for visitors and community members. Delivers service within established departmental customer service standards. Responds proactively, identifies areas of concern and/or problems and escalates to Grounds Foreman and/or Arboretum Manager. Follows work instructions and assignments as provided by Grounds Foreman and Arboretum Manager. Forms and maintains collaborative relationships with industry partners. Special Schedule Requirements Shift and workdays are to be determined. Applicants must be available to work on all days/shifts and take on-call responsibilities. This position is an IUOE Local 399 position. Qualifications Education & Experience High school diploma or GED; required 3-5 years tree care experience and/or specialized job-related training preferred Arborist skill training, required Perform basic math functions; required Knowledge & Skills Technical Knowledge: The ability to perform tree and plant species identification in the field required. Knowledge and skill to safely use the following equipment and follow equipment instructions: riding and walking lawn mower, wood chipper, log splitter, chain saw, forklift, bobcat, aerial lift, string trimmers, leaf blower, lawn edgers, and university vehicles. Considers safety in all aspects of the execution of the work to contribute to a safe environment for the students, staff, co-workers, faculty, tenants and visitors in accordance with IIT Environmental Health and Safety, and other Federal, and/or State Agencies. Ability to maintain compliance with IIT safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment through the use of Personal Protective Equipment, as required, such as safety eyeglasses, masks, etc. Knows how to keep working area safe, wears and/or uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established safety policies and procedures. Demonstrated experience working independently and on a team. Ability to follow controlled access area policies and procedures. Use computer operations related to position requirements. Understanding of work orders, use of smart phones or other field based technology. Communicate effectively in English; both verbal and written; required Understand and follow instructions. Read and interpret landscape design plans for planting of trees, shrubs, etc. Read instructions of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other chemical use and applications and equipment. General Skills: Ability to follow directions and know when to escalate questions to Grounds Foreman or Arboretum Manager. SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY No supervisory duties and no budget authority. Physical Environment and Requirements Outdoor environments, roof tops, confined spaces and mechanical and building spaces. 80% of work spent in an outdoors environment 20% of work spent in mechanical, laboratory, normal office environment, shared workspace. Work schedules and work distribution will vary depending on the needs of the university. Work conditions and locations vary from day to day. Shift and work days are to be determined. Applicants must be available to work on all days/shifts and must be available to work evenings, weekends and emergency overtime as circumstances require. Mechanical machinery/boiler room, roof tops, lifts, ladders, scaffolds and under floor areas may be exposed to wet, dusty and dirty environments, fire, steam or gas leaks, electrical or mechanical hazards, harsh weather, extreme heat or cold and long hours in emergency situations. Must be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
Must be able to: Walk extensive distances around campus. Lift and move loads of up to 100 lbs. Bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time Work outside for long periods in extreme heat or cold or emergency situations. Climb stairs and ladders. Work at heights either on a ladder, aerial lift or on roof tops. Certifications and Licenses List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. Required Certifications and License (either has these requirements or willing to acquire the requirements/training):

Certified Arborist credential, required. Forklift operator certification, required. Aerial Lifts certification, required OSHA 10-hour safety training current, required Fall Protection training, required Current valid Driver’s License, required Key Responsibilities Key Responsibility TREE CARE and TREE MAINTENANCE: Performs labor duties to maintain a clean, organized, and safe campus. Takes a proactive approach to address tree condition and care. Utilizes the Illinois Tech Hawkworks Preventive Maintenance system to develop, perform, and track preventive maintenance and care tasks. Employs best-in-class arborist practices. Seeks input from subject matter experts and consults industry standards and as needed. Helps plan and execute tree care, tree trimming/pruning, tree removal, and tree planting activities. Inspects and assesses trees condition on an ongoing basis and especially following severe weather events. Reports findings to Arboretum Manager and develops action plan to address any issues This may include in-house or contracted service work. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with tree care consultants and contracted tree care providers. Ensures that underground utility locates are performed prior to any tree related excavation work such as tree planting or stump removal. Percentage Of Time 50 Key Responsibility EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Considers safety for oneself and for the campus community prior to and during the operation of university equipment. Makes considerations for campus operations, activities and events prior to commencing equipment operation. Operates equipment such as riding and walking lawn mower, string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn edgers, log splitter, wood chipper, chain saw, forklift, bobcat/loader, aerial lift, other hand machinery, and drives university vehicles. The appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment is required. Percentage Of Time 20 Key Responsibility TREE INVENTORY and CONDITION ASSESSMENT: Works collaboratively with consultants to compile/update tree data and condition report. Utilizes the report to inform tree maintenance and care activities. This report will be generated/updated on a regular basis. Percentage Of Time 10 Key Responsibility ARBORETUM INFORMATION DISSEMINATION/PROGRAM and EVENT SUPPORT Communicates arboretum information, tree data and statistics, and campus history to students, faculty, staff, and visitors on an ongoing basis. Provides supports for arboretum related programming and events. Takes an active approach to promoting the arboretum to Illinois Tech community and visitors. Percentage Of Time 10 Key Responsibility OTHER DUTIES: Participates in providing and receiving job-related training as deemed necessary by the university. Performs other tasks as assigned. Overtime and emergency response may be required to address tree related issues. Percentage Of Time 10

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