Substitute - Grounds Maintenance Worker

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas; assist skilled maintenance personnel in a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks as assigned.

Essential duties include:

• Performing a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas
• Driving a District vehicle to and from sites to conduct work
• Planting, cultivating, pruning, spraying, fertilizing and irrigating flowers, trees, grass and shrubs
• Hoeing and pulling weeds, raking leaves; picking up debris following assigned tasks; removing litter from walk and driveways
• Mowing, edging, trimming, and watering lawns, fields and other turf grounds; preparing and fertilizing soil
• Operating a variety of power-driven equipment such as tractors, trucks, weed eaters, mowers, fork lifts, sweepers, power pressure sprayers, chain saws and other equipment used in grounds maintenance work; utilizing standard gardening hand tools
• Performing general pest control duties; applying herbicides, pesticides and sprays over planted areas in accordance with established guidelines and laws
• Assisting skilled maintenance personnel in a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to building and equipment maintenance needs including cement work and the repair of irrigation systems; repairing minor sprinkler problems such as replacing sprinkler heads and repairing broken water lines and valves
• Adjusting and arranging furniture and equipment; setting up facilities for special events and meetings; delivering furniture, supplies and materials to various District sites as directed
• Maintaining grounds maintenance equipment in safe operating condition; performing routine maintenance on equipment as needed
• Communicating with District employees and departments to exchange information and coordinate activities
• Maintaining routine records related to work performed

Knowledge and abilities include:

• Grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding
• Methods, equipment and materials used in gardening and groundskeeping work
• Cultivating, fertilizing, watering and spraying of flowers, trees and shrubs
• Herbicides and other chemicals used in grounds maintenance
• Proper operation of heavy grounds equipment
• Basic record-keeping techniques
• Methods of repairing and maintaining irrigation systems
• Methods and materials used in controlling pests, insects and weeds
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies
• Health and safety regulations
• Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, flower beds, athletic fields and other landscaped areas
• Perform general grounds maintenance duties including mowing, edging and weeding
• Operate hand and power tools and other equipment used in grounds maintenance
• Perform routine maintenance on grounds maintenance equipment
• Assist skilled maintenance personnel in a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to building and equipment maintenance needs
• Apply specialized chemicals to control and eradicate weeds, insects and other pests
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Assist in repairing and maintaining District irrigation systems
• Observe health and safety regulations
• Maintain routine records related to work performed
• Work cooperatively with others

Education and experience: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of experience in grounds maintenance or gardening work.

Licenses and other requirements: Valid California driver's license. Maintain forklift certificate.

Working conditions include:

• Outdoor work environment
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust, dirt, oil/grease
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions
• Subject to noise from equipment operation
• Climbing ladders and working from heights
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of tools and equipment
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Seeing to perform grounds work
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects
• Walking over rough or uneven surfaces
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
• Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching
• Heavy physical labor
• Digging
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Working around and with machinery having moving parts
• Working at heights
• Power saws and flying debris or nails
• Exposure to chemicals used in pest control and weed abatement

Terms of employment: Salary and terms of employment are described in the Agreement between Sunnyvale School District and California School Employees Association. Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance to Agreement between Sunnyvale School District and California School Employees Association. Selection Procedure: