Grounds Maintenance Technician

Position Type: Maintenance/Custodial/Grounds Maintenance Date Posted: 6/7/2024 Location:

Hamburg Area School District Employment Terms: 12-month/260-day position Dayshift Hourly rate: $13.34 Benefits eligible after 90-day probationary period Position Summary The Grounds Maintenance Technician is charged with managing the daily operations of ground maintenance and for the general upkeep and repair of all ground-related equipment.

This position does not include supervisory responsibilities of staff (hiring, evaluation, discipline, etc.) Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for the installation and beautification of District grounds and athletics fields; controlling pests and weeds in accordance with District Policy and procedures; and the operation, maintenance, and repair of grounds equipment.

The incumbent in this position may occasionally work with the Building Maintenance Technician in a collaborative effort to diagnose and repair both indoor and outdoor mechanical equipment that require significant expertise and/or labor.

Reports to the Director of Facilities. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school, supplemented by vocational course work, and 2-4 years' experience doing increasingly skilled trades-work in one or more areas, or any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid driver's license that allows the applicant/employee to legally operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania.

Copy of current driving history issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at time of application and at time of interview prior to final selection. License must be maintained for the duration of the assignment. Safe driving record must be maintained for the duration of the assignment.

Ability to obtain and maintain the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Category 23, Park or School pest control license within the ninety (90) day probationary period. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years' experience in repair and maintenance of light to medium duty internal combustion, electrical and hydraulic equipment.

Prior experience in gardening, landscaping, and hardscaping, preferably in a commercial setting.

Professional training in the field of horticulture. Knowledge of various athletic field layouts. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to access and use all communication platforms, such as email.

Knowledge of District work policies and guidelines; knowledge of departmental practices and procedures. Ability to work cooperatively with employees, vendors, contractors, and the public. Ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods.

Ability to read and interpret written and oral instructions. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to plan and organize work and carry out assignments with minimal supervision.

Ability to work in confined spaces. Ability to learn and apply operating, safety, and work procedures. Ability to withstand heights and perform work safely.

Ability to perform basic mathematical computations. Ability to work flexible hours and shifts. Ability to safely move and relocate heavy objects and perform physically demanding work.

Ability to provide cost estimate information. Possess physical and mental stamina commensurate with the responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of gardening/horticulture skills.

Knowledge of trees, plants, shrubs, turf grass, and materials. Knowledge of athletic field layout. Knowledge of the safe operation of various hand tools and power equipment.

Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and procedures for the use of pesticides at school properties. Knowledge of various chemicals used in pest control; ability to use such in accordance with prescribed safety precautions and directions.

Ability to wear respiratory and personal protective equipment.

Knowledge of the operation and care of appropriate grounds equipment.

Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to motor vehicles and equipment operation. Knowledge of safe attachment and hauling of trailers and proper securing of equipment on trailers.

Knowledge of troubleshooting malfunction practices or procedures of equipment. Ability to repair and adjust a variety of small power equipment. Ability to read, understand, and apply schematics and manufacture manuals.

Ability to learn and apply equipment-operating procedures. Ability to recognize, understand, interpret, and apply local, state, federal, and national codes and regulations including, but not limited to: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.

Performance Responsibilities (Essential Functions) To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality. Manage the daily operations of District-wide ground maintenance, including all athletic fields. Plants, installs, mows, trims/prunes, edges, and fertilizes lawns, athletic fields, trees, shrubs, and plants.

Removes and disposes trees, shrubs, plants, and grass, as needed. Prunes, shapes, and transplants a variety of shrubs and trees. Weeds and grades flower beds and planters, including unimproved sites.

Optimizes plant life and aesthetics of landscaping. Advises Head Custodians on plant conditions, soil/water conditions, and pest control. When necessary, submit request to Head Custodians for assistance with larger projects.

Explains and demonstrates the proper preparation of athletic fields for sports activities for facilities staff. Reviews landscape designs to determine materials and/or supplies needed to perform job. Makes minor repairs to sprinklers and related equipment.

Operates gang mowers, forklift, fertilizer spreaders, small tractors with attachments such as aerator, power equipment/trucks, various chainsaws, sod cutters, power chippers, etc. Responsible for integrated pest management of all schools and facilities within HASD by creating the lowest possible risk to health and safety while integrating school activities such as preventative maintenance, janitorial practices, landscaping, and occupant education. Directs all pest treatment applications and acts as the primary contact for IPM workorders.

Ensures compliance with State and Federal law and HASD's Integrated Pest Management Policy (716), including without limitation, the records maintenance system, and the notification procedures for applying pesticides or herbicides on property belonging to HASD. Manage a system for maintaining facility inspection records, work orders, and service reports for pest/weed control services and applications of pesticides or herbicides. Ensures use of safe and appropriate chemicals, agents, and substances, mixing according to label instructions and product specifications, and using in accordance with prescribed safety precautions and directions.

Applies pesticides and other chemical/biological agents in accordance with accepted industry practices and the rules/regulations of various federal, state, and local regulatory agencies (i.e. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environmental Regulations (DER), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), etc. Controls rodent and insect pests (i.e., mice, gophers, ants, bees, etc.) by spraying pesticides and setting rodent traps and bait stations.

Sprays selective and nonselective herbicides for the control of weeds and unwanted grass. Oversees any staff responsible for weed control and ensures proper training and supervision of such staff. Operates, cleans, and maintains hand and power gardening and spraying equipment.

Performs skilled work related to the operation of grounds equipment including, but not limited to: Loads, secures, and unloads ground construction equipment on and off trailers to transport to and from Hamburg Area School District facilities. Operates small ground equipment necessary to maintain athletic facilities.

Inspects trucks and ground equipment to ensure safe operation. Performs grading of fields using laser equipment and other necessary equipment.

Performs over the road hauling of refuse to area land fill.

Operates tractors and proper attachments, (aerators, fertilizer spreaders, etc.) in the maintenance of sports fields. Services vehicles and reports necessary truck or equipment repair. Trains facilities staff on the proper operation of all ground's equipment.

Repairs, overhauls, adjusts, and performs preventative maintenance on light-to-medium duty gasoline/diesel internal combustion, hydraulic, and electric power equipment, including but not limited to: Diagnoses malfunctions and determines method of repair and need for light-to-medium duty landscape and grounds equipment.

Tests and inspects equipment to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety requirements.

Repairs, overhauls, and performs preventive maintenance on lawn mowers, edgers, paint compressors, tractors, sweepers, generators, pumps, and other power equipment. Diagnoses and repairs electrical and mechanical safety switch systems. Diagnoses and repairs hydraulic systems (i.e., rams, pumps, motors, booms, etc.). Tunes motors for maximum operational efficiency.

Overhauls or replaces transmissions, differentials, carburetors, gasoline and diesel engines, alternators, distributors, starters, etc. Removes and installs reconditioned water-cooling systems (radiators). Repairs and balances belt and gear driven equipment.

Performs cutting and fabrication of parts as necessary.

Assists in preparing and maintaining records and computerized database for shop supplies and equipment. Initiates requests and assists in ordering and maintaining shop supplies and equipment.

Operates machinery related to the inspection, repair, and overhaul of grounds equipment.

Tests and evaluates parts and equipment proposed by vendors for Hamburg Area School District use. Removes, repairs, sharpens, or adjusts and installs lawn mower reels and blades. Removes, repairs, and/or replaces tires and tubes using adhesive materials, patches, and/or plugs.

Maintains service and repair manuals and instructs users in the proper operation, safety, and care of equipment.

Responsible for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Assist the Building Maintenance Technician with asphalt maintenance and maintain parking lot lines and symbols.

Confers with outside vendors and contractors. May be required to move, assemble or disassemble furniture, equipment, or other items. Assist the Building Maintenance Technician with routine maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Assist with snow removal. Follows building-check work rotation schedule. Remains informed of District-wide communications and corresponds with District staff via electronic applications such as email, etc.

Perform related duties consistent with job description and assignment. Perform other duties as assigned. Licenses and Certifications A valid driver's license that allows the applicant/employee to legally operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania.

Government Pest Control License issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. License must be maintained for the duration of the assignment. (If license is not in possession at time of application, it must be obtained within three (3) months of hire into position.) Hold or be able to obtain forklift operation certification. (If certification is not in possession at time of application, it must be obtained within five (5) months of hire into position. Certification must be maintained for the duration of the assignment.

Documents Required at Time of Application Employment Application. High school transcript or other equivalent, (i.e., GED, college, technical, or trade school transcript, foreign equivalency, etc.). Specific documented evidence of training and experience to satisfy qualifications, if applicable. Essential Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, carrying, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, repetitive fine motor activities, climbing, and balancing.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Vision: Frequent near and far acuity, depth perception, focal length change, and color vision.

Strength: Medium/Heavy - exert force 50-100 lbs., occasionally; 25-50 lbs., frequently; or 10-20 lbs., constantly. Work Environment: Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions with temperatures ranging from mild/moderate to extreme cold/heat.

Exposure to noise levels ranging from moderate to loud for occasional to frequent time periods. Exposure to dust, wet and damp grounds, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with herbicide and pesticide spraying, fertilizers, motor oils, and gasoline. Hazards: Exposure to electric shock.

Furniture, playground/office equipment, communicable diseases, chemicals and fumes (as related to specific assignment), and power/hand-operated equipment and machinery (as related to specific assignment). EXAMPLES OF EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES USED TO PERFORM TASKS: District-issued/personal vehicles, herbicides and pesticides, spray tanks, fertilizer spreaders, personal protective gear (gloves, respirators, goggles, masks, harnesses, etc.), lawn mowers, hedgers/edgers, two-way radios, sod cutters, saws/chainsaws, power chippers, aerators, renovators, hand rakes, shovels, grease guns, dump trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, trenchers, mowers, sweepers, gasoline and diesel fuel, athletic field paint, fertilizers, forklifts, manlifts, hand and power tools, equipment required for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, etc.