Grounds Maintenance (Trades Specialist III) #2712

The Grounds Maintenance Trades Specialist is responsible for maintaining the College's grounds, landscapes, roadways, sidewalks, parking areas, and outdoor environments in a safe, attractive, and functional condition. This position performs advanced grounds maintenance, landscape installation, irrigation, equipment operation, and preventive maintenance while supporting the College's commitment to a welcoming campus environment. The successful candidate will work independently with limited supervision and may guide temporary employees as needed. Key responsibilities include:

• Perform all aspects of grounds and landscape maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, seasonal and permanent bed maintenance, pond maintenance, roadway and parking lot upkeep, and irrigation system operation and repair. Utilize proper horticultural practices and maintain accurate documentation of fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide applications.
• Operate and maintain a variety of groundskeeping equipment and machinery, including tractors, bush hogs, front-end loaders, backhoes, aerial lifts, forklifts, sprayers, chippers, riding mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, edgers, weed eaters, augers, and blowers while following all applicable safety procedures.
• Prepare sites for landscape renovations and improvements, including installation of trees, shrubs, annual and perennial plantings, and manual and automated irrigation systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections on motor pool vehicles and grounds equipment, ensuring equipment is properly cleaned, lubricated, maintained, and ready for operational use
• Assist with building construction and renovation projects as needed to support campus operations and facilities improvements.
• Maintain records, complete data entry activities, and support departmental documentation requirements.
• Provide guidance and task assignments for temporary employees and assist with ensuring work is completed effectively and safely.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position requires a high school diploma and two (2) years of directly related work experience, or a tenth-grade education and four (4) years of directly related work experience.

A valid South Carolina driver's license is required.

• Degree in horticulture or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to obtain a South Carolina pesticide license
• Experience in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, irrigation, or facilities grounds operations.
• Knowledge of proper horticultural practices, including landscape installation, pruning, fertilization, herbicide and pesticide applications, and plant health management.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and grounds maintenance machinery, including tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, forklifts, mowers, and power tools.
• Knowledge of irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize daily work activities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining safe, attractive, and well-maintained campus grounds.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to temporary employees and support a team-oriented work environment.

This position requires extensive outdoor work in varying weather conditions year-round and involves physically demanding activities. The successful candidate must be able to perform manual labor, operate heavy equipment, and work safely in a variety of environments. This position is designated as essential personnel and may be required to respond during severe weather events and other emergency situations