Grounds Category A - Entry Level Groundskeeper

Position Type:
Plant Operations / Maintenance / Grounds/ Groundskeeper

Date Posted:
7/14/2025

Location:
Plant Operations

Date Available:
ASAP

Closing Date:
Until Filled

&nbsp&nbsp Position / Title: Grounds Category A - Entry Level Groundskeeper Bargaining Unit: ESSO Department/Location: Plant Operations Work Days: 261 Reports To: Coordinator of Grounds JD Revision Date: 7/1/2025 Supervises: N/A
Function / Position Summary

Supports the daily groundskeeping operation and assists in landscaping, arboriculture, concrete and asphalt maintenance, snow and ice management, and outdoor facilities and playground maintenance. Promptly reports any issues beyond their level of expertise to the appropriate supervisor and safely completes tasks in accordance with district and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. This role ensures the grounds remain clean, safe, and fully functional for students, staff, and community stakeholders.

Upon successful completion of 180 days of training and passing the Illinois Pesticide License General Standards exam, this position will be reclassified for advancement to Category B Groundskeeper I.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Perform grounds upkeep and maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, weed control, and trash/debris pick up.
• Safely operate and maintain handheld tools and small engine equipment, including but not limited to mowers, trimmers, blowers, and snow removal tools.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields, courts, and outdoor spaces for events and daily use.
• Assist with seasonal landscaping duties such as pruning, planting, removal, and tree/shrub care.
• Provide support for events by coordinating setup, assisting during activities, and performing cleanup afterward, with flexibility for evening and weekend hours as required.
• Monitor and report grounds-related supply and equipment needs.
• Maintain on-call status to respond to grounds emergency and/or after-hour events such as snow/ice management or severe weather damage.
• Work collaboratively with departmental and district personnel to ensure the efficient operation and upkeep of all facilities.
• Facilitate snow and ice management operations using equipment and de-icing materials to maintain safe access.
• Use approved communication platforms and work order system to promptly receive, initiate, track, complete, and close work orders and routinely monitor email and notifications for timely responses.
• Serve as a custodian floater to provide relief and maintain operations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Illinois Drivers License required.

Experience / Knowledge

• Ability to operate grounds equipment within safety guidelines.
• Horticulture, landscaping and/or sports fields experience (1-3 years) preferred.
• Grounds equipment and routine maintenance experience preferred.
• Snow and ice removal experience preferred.
• Ability to take and pass the General Standards test of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License program.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adults, students and community members.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to communicate verbally and successfully complete written documentation.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. with proper technique.
• Work safely from stepladders, aerial lifts, or scaffolding up to a height of 10 ft.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather for prolonged periods.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month ESSO position. Salary and benefits are as established by the agreement between ESSO and the Board of Education. Flexibility in work days/hours and overtime may be necessary.
• Starting Pay for this position is $16.50

Attachment(s):

• ESSO 2025.pdf