Grounds Category A - Entry Level Groundskeeper

Position / Title: Grounds Category A - Entry Level Groundskeeper Bargaining Unit: ESSODepartment/Location: Plant Operations Calendar Days: 261Reports To: Coordinator of Grounds JD Revision Date: 05/29/2026Supervises: 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 maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, weed control, and trash collection.
• 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.
• Initiate requests and submit orders for supplies, materials, parts and tools following District purchasing procedures including obtaining quotes as needed from approved vendors.
• Facilitate snow and ice management operations using equipment and de-icing materials to maintain safe access.
• Use approved communication platforms and the district's 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 prior to start date.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License required prior to start date.

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.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety procedures, equipment manuals, and other job-related materials; communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public; and accurately complete required documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adults, students and community members.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, climb stairs, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift in excess of 75 lbs. with proper technique.
• Ability to work safely from stepladder, aerial lifts, and/or scaffolding at varying heights, up to 40 ft.
• Ability to push/pull 100 pounds with proper technique.
• 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.
• The starting rate for this role is $16.66/hr.