Grounds and Landscaping Technician

Position: Grounds and Landscaping Technician

Qualifications

• Education Level: A minimum of a high school diploma, its equivalent, or demonstrated proficiency through previous job experience and/or training in related performance responsibilities listed below.
• Certification: Valid Driver's License required. Commercial Herbicide/Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3A Licensee or equivalent) preferred (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Experience Desired: Previous professional experience in commercial mowing, turf management, landscaping maintenance, and sports field preparation preferred.
• Other Requirements:The ability to lift fifty (50) pounds is an essential job requirement. Able to read and interpret basic landscaping supply, fertilizer, and chemical directions/instructions. Capable of physical exertion to manually lift, push, pull, bend, and carry heavy objects and materials. Capable of operating commercial mowing equipment, tractors, string trimmers, edgers, blowers, and light machinery. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; outside weather conditions where temperatures may be very high or low. Must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the Board of Education, including the Missouri Family Care Registry and Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check.
  
  

General Summary: The Grounds & Landscaping Technician is responsible for maintaining safe, functional, and professionally manicured grounds, sports fields, and landscaped areas across all District campuses. This role includes performing routine and seasonal groundskeeping tasks such as commercial mowing, string trimming, edging, weed control, tree and shrub pruning, bed maintenance, irrigation winterization, and athletic field line painting. The technician operates and maintains ground maintenance equipment, applies fertilizers and herbicides in accordance with safety guidelines, and coordinates work around school schedules to minimize disruptions to the learning environment. A commitment to safety, reliability, visual appeal, and high-quality workmanship is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Performance Responsibilities

Mowing & Turf Maintenance:

• Mows and trims around structures/landscaping, and edges all sidewalks and driveways across all District campuses on a weekly or scheduled basis.
• Clears all sidewalks, driveways, and hardscapes of grass clippings and debris immediately following mowing activities.
• Inspects areas prior to mowing to pick up and properly dispose of trash, tree limbs, and debris.
  
  

Landscape Bed & Plant Care

• Performs seasonal maintenance (Spring, Summer, Fall) on landscape beds, shrubs, and trees across all designated school facilities.
• Conducts scheduled bed weeding, leaf and debris removal, bed edging, and seasonal mulching.
• Performs pruning of bedded and non-bedded shrubs bi-annually and cuts back perennials as directed.
• Applies pre-emergent, post-emergent, and balanced fertilizer applications to support healthy turf and landscape growth as directed.
  
  

Athletic Field & Special Grounds Care

• Paints lines for athletic fields during active playing seasons.
• Assists with the winterization and seasonal upkeep of District irrigation systems.
  
  

Equipment Operation & Safety

• Properly operates, maintains, and performs routine preventive maintenance on mower units, trimmers, blowers, tractors, and district tools.
• Applies herbicides and pesticides safely and according to manufacturer guidelines (ensuring no unauthorized chemicals are used near trees or restricted zones).
• Follows strict safety protocol when operating around students and staff; immediately ceases work if children or members of the public are in the immediate proximity of power equipment.
• Never leaves district equipment or vehicles unattended at campus facilities.
  
  

General Operations & Facility Support

• Works flexible or off-peak hours (including after-school hours or weekends) when necessary to avoid interrupting instruction or campus operations.
• Performs winter ground maintenance, including timely snow removal and ice control across all district facilities.
• Reports any physical property damage (e.g., trees, structures, fencing) or unsafe conditions to the Director of Facilities, Custodial and Maintenance immediately.
• Keeps maintenance shops, tool sheds, and equipment storage areas clean, organized, and adequately stocked.
• Knows the location of utility shutoffs, safety gear, and emergency controls.
• Demonstrates knowledge of procedures to follow in an earthquake, fire, tornado, intruder situation, or other emergency affecting building operations.
• Observes and reports any persons, conditions, or activities on school grounds that appear unsafe, suspicious, or in need of attention.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all school-related matters.
• Assist maintenance and custodial teams as needed, including providing substitute coverage and supporting assigned projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires prolonged standing, sitting (operating mowers), bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, and other physical exertions.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective gear (PPE) and maintain appropriate work attire (e.g., boots/shoes, long pants/jeans, proper shirts).
• Requires constant safety awareness around moving machinery, sharp blades, noise, and power equipment.
• Required to take precautions to avoid improper exposure to fertilizers, chemicals, fuel fumes, and dust.
• May be required to work on an "on-call" or adjusted schedule depending on weather events, growing seasons, or weekend athletic events.
• Required to drive between District sites to perform work.
• Exposed regularly to high noise levels from commercial lawn equipment and machines.
  
  

Additional Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. ? The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. ? May be required to work in temperatures under 32 degrees and above 100 degrees ? The employee may frequently lift and/or move materials and/or students which can weigh as much as 50 pounds. On occasions when lifting loads heavier than 50 pounds is required, it is expected that two or more people would be utilized to lift the load. ? While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see. ? Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close and far range with or without vision correction. ? Specific hearing requirements include the ability to hear within normal limits with or without the use of hearing aids. ? Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding, fine motor tasks).

Type of Position: Classified (nonexempt)

Reports to: Director of Facilities, Custodial and Maintenance

Evaluated by: Director of Facilities, Custodial and Maintenance

Term of Service: 238 Days (or as designated by District schedule)

The District is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of recruiting, hiring, employment, retention, and promotion. The District strictly prohibits any unlawful discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, disability, age, sex, gender, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. The District is an equal opportunity employer.