Groundskeeper

The Purpose     

Do you love working outside?  What better place is there to work than in the great outdoors of the Blue Ridge mountains?  Join our Grounds team as they not only maintain our beautiful campus grounds and gardens but also help install new landscaping, and create an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment.  At Blue Ridge we value teamwork and the Grounds team is a great crew that not only serves the college but the community as a whole.  

Why it's Important

The Blue Ridge team is excited by every opportunity to be creative, innovative, and engaging. We do this by working alongside our Staff and Faculty to ensure we provide a modern, technologically advanced institution for the community. We are here to support our Students to ensure they reach their highest potential. Our team engages with the community to ensure that we are consistently meeting standards and then rising above them. Guiding students along their educational journey is our calling and we are looking for like-minded teammates to help us serve our community. Whether a student is entering the workforce for the first time, entering a new profession, or just expanding their knowledge, we are here to provide the necessary tools to accomplish all their goals. Working together, no elevation is too high, and no summit is unreachable. 

What You'll be Doing

• Remove all tree and paper litter on a regular schedule.

• Help with leaf removal and snow removal.

• Assist in grounds maintenance in and around bed work weeding, pruning, fertilizing, cultivating, and watering.

• Help maintain all areas on the campus.

• This person is responsible for mowing and weed eating, and blowing off sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Assist with truck deliveries and unloading supplies at the maintenance building using a fork truck.

• Greenhouse work sowing of seeds, transplanting, and installing annuals, and perennials into landscape beds.

• Manage the IPM Program for the Flat Rock Campus after acquiring a Pesticide license.

• Keep up-to-date records of IPM Practice, and chemical inventory after acquiring Pesticide License.

• Insure compliance and confidentiality with all policies and procedures of the College, NC Community College System, and applicable State and Federal agencies

• Must be able to work alone in a high capacity.

• Help in Plant Operations when needed.

• Help with Parking when needed on campus for events.

Additionally

• Perform other duties assigned by supervisor or Director of Facilities and Plant Operations.

Education   

High school diploma required, Associate's Degree in Horticulture preferred.

Experience   

All persons must provide verifiable and relevant professional experience in a workplace setting or environment.

Skills and the Know-How     

Valid driver's license.  Possess strong personal and professional integrity, effective verbal and written communication skills, and a commitment to safety.  Basics using Microsoft Office Suite or similar products, College email and website, and web-based computer applications associated with the position.  Experience in grounds upkeep, ability to prioritize work tasks, ability to solve problems, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Maintain the technical competencies necessary to the job function.

Physical Demands 

The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines. This position does work outdoors in inclement weather.

Blue Ridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Institution