Head Groundskeeper - Immediately Available - Full-time

Job Title:  Head Groundskeeper
Reports To:  Director of Facilities
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Work Days:  260 day work calendar. Estimated work schedule 6:30am-4:00p (8.0 hours) with an alternate schedule occasionally needed based on athletic calendars and/or seasonal needs. 
Pay Range: $17.25-$22.25 per hour (based on experience) plus $0.10/hour per full-time employee on the Grounds Team. Offer also include School Board paid IMRF pension, paid vacation days, and benefits options are available. 

JOB SUMMARY
This position involves the general maintenance, care, and upkeep of all district grounds, including athletic fields, playgrounds, lawns, and landscaped areas. The Head Groundskeeper ensures all outdoor environments are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for students, staff, and the community. This position requires the supervision of the grounds crew members and seasonal staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Experience: Previous experience in professional groundskeeping, landscaping, or turf management, preferably in a school or municipal setting.

• License: Valid Illinois Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. Possession of (or ability to obtain) an Illinois Pesticide Public Applicator License is highly preferred.

• Leadership: Previous supervisory experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision: Oversee all groundskeeping functions and personally participate in daily outdoor maintenance activities.

• Turf Management: Mow, trim, aerate, fertilize, seed district lawns and maintain athletic fields to high standards of health and appearance.

• Athletic Facilities: Coordinate the layout, painting, and preparation of all sports fields (football, soccer, baseball/softball) for school and community events.

• Landscaping: Maintain trees, shrubs, and flower beds through pruning, weeding, and mulching.

• Equipment Maintenance: Service and maintain all grounds equipment (tractors, mowers, trimmers, blowers) in functional and safe condition.

• Chemical Application: Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in accordance with state laws and district safety protocols.

• Procurement: Submit requisitions for seeds, chemicals, and equipment parts to the Facilities Director and maintain an accurate inventory.

• Inspections: Regularly inspect playgrounds, bleachers, fences, and parking lots for vandalism, structural damage, or safety hazards.

• Safety Compliance: Maintain compliance with playground safety standards, EPA regulations regarding chemical use, and general OSHA safety requirements.

• Weather Response: Lead snow and ice removal efforts for parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways to ensure a safe environment during winter months.

• Irrigation: Monitor and maintain irrigation systems to ensure proper watering schedules and system integrity.

• Professional Appearance: Because the Head Groundskeeper is visible to the public, attire should be neat and clean as the job allows. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and district-standard outdoor workwear are required.

• Collaboration: Assist custodial, maintenance, and HVAC personnel as needed for district-wide projects.

• Policy Adherence: Observe all district policies, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and health and safety protocols.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communication: Ability to follow oral/written orders and coordinate schedules with Principals and Athletic Directors and communicate with all stakeholders in a positive and collaborative manner.

• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of plant diseases, pest control, and soil health.

• Safety: Ability to read and interpret chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Mathematics: Ability to calculate ratios for chemical mixing and square footage for seeding/fertilizing.

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating heavy machinery, including tractors, skid steers, and zero-turn mowers.

• Adaptability: Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adjust schedules based on athletic calendars and seasonal needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Environment: Primarily works outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.

• Exertion: Requires significant physical exertion to lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs regularly).

• Movement: Requires prolonged standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.

• Exposure: Frequent exposure to pollens, grasses, fertilizers, and outdoor noise.

• Schedule: Must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings or weekends, to prepare for athletic events or manage snow removal.

OTHER
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.