Groundskeeper FT

General Statement of Job

Essential Functions

• Maintain parks and grounds by mowing, edging, watering, and fertilizing parks, fields, golf courses, tennis courts, and green spaces.
• Perform repairs and upkeep by fixing minor issues with park buildings, equipment, and facilities, including grills, tables, benches, and light fixtures.
• Manage waste by collecting trash and litter while ensuring waste bins are clean and emptied.
• Care for landscaping by planting, mulching, trimming, and maintaining trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Operate and maintain equipment by safely using and servicing groundskeeping tools such as mowers, tractors, and chainsaws.
• Collaborate with the team by assisting with tasks, projects, and special events to enhance park aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
• Conduct safety inspections by regularly assessing playgrounds, boardwalks, docks, and other park areas for potential hazards.
• Control weeds and turf by removing weeds and applying fertilizers and pesticides to maintain healthy turf.
• Install and treat grass by laying sod, applying grass seed, and using fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides in compliance with state, county, and city regulations.

Depending on area of assignment, additional duties may include:

Golf Course:

• Maintains greens, tees and bunkers

Athletic Fields:

• Maintains, levels and repairs the clay portions of athletic fields; installs bases, pitching rubbers and home plates; moves portable pitching mounds.
• Maintains athletic turf, paints field lines

Parks:

• Repairs grills, tables, trash receptacles, benches, gates and fences; replaces light bulbs.
• Assists with carpentry repair work on boardwalks, docks and playgrounds.
• Cleans and sanitizes public restrooms

Beautification:

• Observes safety protocols while performing duties in active roadways throughout the city roadway medians and swales

Racquet Sports:

• Maintains, levels and repairs the clay portions of tennis courts; sets lines, installs posts, net supports and nets.
• Prepare courts for scheduled events, tournaments, or general use by ensuring they are in optimal condition for players.
• Manage drainage, prevent erosion, and ensure the proper handling of chemicals and equipment to support environmental sustainability.

Related tasks:

• Cleans and sanitizes public restrooms
• Apply herbicides and pesticides as needed to control weeds and pests.
• Help install and remove windscreens, ensuring they are securely placed.
• Inspects for safety and maintenance needs, completes the appropriate inspections sheets and paperwork.
• Assists with some irrigation repairs; washes and cleans tools and equipment.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and practices used in parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic field and courts, and general park area maintenance.
• General knowledge of the equipment used to maintain parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic fields or general park area and its safe operation including but not limited to mowers, tractors, aerators, chain saws, and small power tools.
• Knowledge of Landscaping and Horticulture to include understanding of plant care, including pruning, mowing, weeding, and fertilization.
• Understanding of safe and effective methods pest and weed control which may include applying herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides, including relevant laws and safety protocols.
• General knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in general maintenance work including those needed for maintenance of benches, fences, gates, and other park amenities.
• General knowledge of the materials, equipment, tools, and techniques of the standard building trades.
• Awareness of environmental best practices and local, state, and federal regulations governing park and grounds maintenance.
• Safety guidelines for public park areas, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.
• Custodial cleaning methods, materials, and equipment
• Safety precautions applicable to the duties of the class.

Skilled in:

• Operation of parks and grounds, golf course, clay/turf athletic fields and courts and general park area maintenance equipment.
• Performing preventive maintenance and basic repairs on groundskeeping equipment.

• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides while following regulatory guidelines and safety protocols to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, patrons, and the general public.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Use common hand tools.
• Operate simple machinery; and
• Perform strenuous task and manual labor for extended periods of time outdoors in all seasons.
• Acquire new knowledge and skills, such as advanced landscaping techniques, equipment operation, or supervisory responsibilities.
• Clearly communicate with team members, supervisors, and the public regarding work schedules, safety concerns, and park updates.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Six (6) months of general maintenance experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Best Management Practices Certification, and/or Fertilizers Applicators License

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in a three (3) year period.
• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
• Certification/License Verification
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.