Grounds Worker

Otterbein University - Westerville, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Westerville, OH

Educational Services

About the position

Otterbein University is seeking a Grounds Worker to perform skilled work in establishing and maintaining the campus grounds, including athletic fields. This full-time, non-exempt position involves various responsibilities such as layout and striping of athletic fields, snow removal, furniture movement, and providing pick-up and delivery services.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining lawns by planting, cultivating, fertilizing, and watering grass.
• Cutting grass using hand or power mowers.
• Cultivating, pruning, transplanting, fertilizing, and watering shrubbery, hedges, and trees.
• Grading and preparing soil for planting, and maintaining flower beds.
• Keeping University grounds clean by removing leaves, fallen branches, and rubbish.
• Monitoring for pests, diseases, weeds, and taking necessary eradication steps.
• Maintaining athletic fields by rolling, aerating, trimming, grading, watering, and striping as required.
• Cleaning, maintaining, and controlling tools and equipment assigned to the department.
• Moving and setting up furniture and equipment as required by other University departments.
• Removing snow from building entrances, walks, parking areas, and driveways, including deicing.
• Supervising and training other grounds workers, unskilled labor, and students in grounds maintenance.
• Assisting supervisors in planning and estimating time and material requirements for various projects.
• Monitoring supplies and ensuring proper stock levels of essential materials are maintained.

Requirements

• Valid Ohio driver's license.
• High School graduate; completion of a minimum of an Associate's degree in Horticulture or Landscape Architecture preferred.
• 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Good physical health and strength; ability to lift 50 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to work from ladders and scaffolds.
• Availability to respond to call-ins for emergency repairs.
• Self-directing with supervisory abilities to direct others.
• Strong sense of pride and ownership of work product.
• Skilled in the proper use and care of hand and power equipment used in this trade.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of pesticides and fungicides including their selection, application, and safety hazards.
• Working knowledge of safety practices and precautions associated with equipment operation and chemical handling.
• Knowledge of turf management for installing and maintaining existing turf.
• Knowledge of sport field maintenance and operation procedures.

Benefits

• Tuition benefit for employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents.
• Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 days paid sick time.
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you, dependents, or domestic partner.
• Life Insurance.
• Defined contribution retirement plan.