GROUNDSKEEPER I BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Grounds and Operations Supervisor, perform a variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Incumbents in the Groundskeeper I classification perform general grounds maintenance duties at an assigned elementary, middle or continuation high school site. The Groundskeeper II classification performs a variety of independent grounds maintenance duties including the preparation of extensive athletic fields at an assigned high school site. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Mow, edge, trim and water lawns, fields and other turf grounds; prepare and fertilize soil; water various grounds areas by hand or by operating the irrigation system. E Plant, cultivate, prune, spray, fertilize and irrigate flowers, trees, grass and shrubs; hoe and pull weeds and rake leaves; edge walkways; sweep, pick up and dispose of cuttings, branches, leaves and other debris following assigned tasks; haul sand, dirt, fertilizer and other materials as directed. E Perform general grounds cleanup, including picking up paper and trash on grounds areas, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields and other assigned areas. E Operate a variety of power-driven equipment such as tractors, mowers, edgers, blowers, sweepers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and other equipment used in grounds work; utilize standard landscaping hand tools; drive a vehicle to conduct work. E Apply pest control methods to eradicate weeds, insects and other pests according to established procedures. E Maintain grounds maintenance equipment in safe operating condition; perform minor maintenance on equipment such as changing blades, greasing and changing oil; perform minor repairs as needed. E Communicate with other staff, faculty, administrators and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues of maintenance, repairs, safety and other groundskeeping related issues. E Assist in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems as assigned; adjust, repair and replace water lines and irrigation heads as necessary. E Maintain routine records related to assigned activities. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding. Methods, equipment and materials used in landscaping and groundskeeping work. Cultivating, fertilizing, watering and spraying of flowers, trees and shrubs. Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in groundskeeping. Herbicides and other chemicals used in grounds maintenance. Methods and materials used in controlling pests, insects and weeds. Health and safety regulations. Proper lifting techniques. ABILITY TO: Perform a variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas. Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, flower beds, athletic fields and other landscaped areas. Operate hand and power tools and other equipment used in grounds maintenance. Apply specialized chemicals to control and eradicate weeds and other pests. Assist in the maintenance and repair of sprinklers and watering systems. Perform maintenance and repairs on grounds maintenance equipment. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Learn basic record-keeping techniques. Observe health and safety regulations. Work cooperatively with others. Perform heavy physical labor. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid California Class C driver’s license. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Outdoor work environment. Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Exposure to fumes, dust, odors, oil/grease, gases. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate grounds maintenance equipment. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching. Walking or standing for extended periods of time. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. Digging. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects as assigned by position. Heavy physical labor. Seeing to perform grounds work. HAZARDS: Exposure to chemicals used in pest control and weed abatement. Working around and with machinery having moving parts.