Washington College is seeking qualified applicants for the Groundskeeper position. Under general supervision, the Groundskeeper is responsible for the appearance, repair, and general care of the College grounds. This person in this position plants grass, flowers, shrubs, trees, mows grass and trims shrubbery. Performs necessary preventive measures for insect control. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plants and trims lawns, trees, bushes, hedges and shrubs. Plant and maintain flowerbeds.
2. Landscapes new ground areas; repairs damaged ground areas, replaces shrubs, hedges and trees.
3. Applies herbicides and pesticide chemicals to grounds, trees, bushes, shrubs, and lawns in order to control diseases, weeds and insects.
4. Removes snow from sidewalks, parking lots and steps and spreads salt or sand as needed.
5. Weeds, tills, and mulches as needed.
6. Ability to operate all equipment needed to maintain the campus grounds including but not limited to the following: trucks, snowplows and all snow removal equipment, tractors, backhoe, grading equipment, chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and all pruning equipment.
7. Performs minor repairs to equipment as needed.
8. Keeps accurate records as needed.
9. Assists other physical plant departments as needed.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

1. Two years of experience in a related field such as gardening or nursery work.
2. Considerable knowledge (2 years) of landscaping methods and proper horticultural pruning practices.
3. Considerable knowledge and experience (2 years) of proper use of chemicals, fertilizers and considerable knowledge of cultivation, seeding and care of plant materials.
4. Considerable knowledge and experience (2 years) of maintaining turf in a transition zone.
5. Knowledge to identify plants and trees growing in the Eastern Shore region.
6. Ability to communicate effectively.
7. Ability to maintain records.
8. Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards of safety precautions applicable to grounds and maintenance work.
9. Must posses and maintain a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
10. Must not be afraid of heights.
11. Able to lift 80lbs.
12. Required to work outside in all types of weather.
13. Will be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license within a year of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Working around and with machinery having moving parts.
2. Exposure to chemicals used in the control of pests and weed control.
3. Loud noises from equipment operation.
4. Outdoor work environment in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold; exposure to dust and outdoor pollutants.
5. Will be required to follow safety precautions and may be required to wear protective equipment.

WORK SCHEDULE/HOURS:

Normal work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday however, candidate will be expected to occasionally work overtime, including Saturdays. The candidate will be required to work campus events that include but are not limited to, Reunion Weekend, Family Fall Weekend, and Commencement.