Senior Grounds Equipment Operator

Under general supervision of the Grounds Supervisor and / or Director, Maintenance and Operations, operate and maintain a variety of power equipment and vehicles involved with District grounds construction, landscaping and maintenance activities;

perform grounds maintenance and gardening duties.

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN RELATED JOB CLASSES

Senior Grounds Equipment operator is the more advanced job class, as compared to Grounds Equipment Operator, requiring the incumbent to operate heavier machinery and possess appropriate licensure as issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Incumbent(s) may partake in routine grounds work as performed by incumbents in the Groundskeeper job classification, and / or work collaboratively to ensure proper landscaping and safe learning environment for students.

• Participate in the work of maintaining, renovating, and constructing landscaping by operating the following equipment : gang, flail and rotary mowers, rototiller, backhoe, turf vacuum, dump truck, edger, skip loader, seeder, aerifier, renovator, sod cutter, spreader, chainsaw, hedge trimmer and a variety of other related equipment.
• Mow, edge and trim lawns and fields at assigned District sites; prepare, fertilize and aerate fields and soil as required;

utilize standard and heavy equipment to dig holes and trenches, shape and level grounds areas to meet District groundskeeping needs.

• Fill, level, roll, mound, smooth and prepare grounds for the planting of lawns and landscaping activities; fertilize, prepare and maintain soil.
• Safely and properly calibrate mixes and apply fertilizers, and growth retardants to surfaces and areas according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Load truck with materials and equipment, drive to and from destinations and unload and deliver materials and equipment.
• Assist in the installation and repair of irrigation systems using ditch witch and power drill; dig and fill up trenches.
• Perform a variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping duties in the beautification of grounds and landscaped areas; plant, cultivate, prune, spray, fertilize and irrigate flowers, trees, grass and shrubs;

hoe and pull weeds and rake leaves; edge walkways; sweep litter from walks and driveways.

• Examine playgrounds and sand boxes for sand volume; estimate amount of sand needed for replenishment, place order and schedule delivery.
• Coordinate and schedule special assignments that require heavy equipment and ensure that the work is done in accordance with schedules and instructions.
• Perform preventive maintenance work and general repairs on grounds equipment; inspect equipment to assure proper operation;

service, adjust, repair and overhaul assigned equipment; check fluids, change oil and filters and replenish fuel; lubricate equipment as needed.

Perform a variety of general maintenance work in the construction and repair of District grounds as assigned; patch and repair asphalt and concrete;

install, maintain and repair fencing; inspect, maintain and perform general repairs on irrigation systems as assigned.

Maintain equipment in proper operating condition; sharpen blades and hand tools as needed; replace equipment parts and components as needed;

wash and clean equipment; assist with skilled mechanical activities involved in the maintenance and repair of District vehicles as required.

• Monitor inventory levels of grounds maintenance supplies as required; assist with ordering, receiving and maintaining inventory of supplies as assigned.
• Maintain routine records related to equipment, safety, repairs and assigned activities.
• Assist staff involved in grounds, custodial and / or maintenance duties as appropriate and as assigned.
• Serve as lead to lower level grounds personnel as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES :

Perform other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

A minimum of three (3) years in groundskeeping and / or irrigation work, and at least one (1) year of experience operating tractors, trucks and lower power mowers.

Licenses / Certifications / Special Requirements

• Ability to qualify and obtain a valid Class B California driver's license within the first 90 working days in the job class.
• Remain insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate.

PLEASE NOTE : Proof of permit for Class B driver's license is required by position closing date. Knowledge of :

• Fundamentals of ornamental horticulture such as soil types, pH and NPK.
• Operation, use and routine maintenance of grounds power equipment.
• Methods, supplies and tools used in caring for landscaped areas.
• Potential hazards of operating grounds equipment around students and staff; appropriate safeguards and other health and safety regulations.
• Various turf types and principles of grading and drainage.
• Legal and defensive driving practices.

Ability to :

• Operate gang, flail and rotary mowers, rototiller, turf vacuum, skip loader, backhoe, bobcat, dump truck and a variety of other equipment.
• Perform routine service maintenance on grounds equipment.
• Operate and maintain heavy power equipment safely.
• Operate a vehicle to conduct work.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Assure personal safety and safety of others.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Interpret project diagrams and illustrations.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Work within stressful situations.
• Be motivated to produce high quality work product.

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