Job Title: Grounds Foreman                                                  Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Facility Services                                 Pay Grade:   Auxiliary 7

Dept./School: Facility Services                                             Date Revised: 1/2018

Primary Purpose:

Directs and manages the operation of the Grounds department which is charged with the overall maintenance, repair, and appearance of all grounds and athletic sport fields in a groomed, manicured, attractive, safe, and functional condition so that full educational use may be made at all times. The department is also responsible for the maintenance, repair, and appearance of all outdoor ball courts, track surfaces, athletic structures, primary school playgrounds surfaces and structures.  

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent

Eight (8) years experience managing the function of a grounds and/or landscape entity

Five (5) years experience supervising grounds workers

Experience with irrigation systems design, installation, maintenance, and software controls

Valid Texas Driver's License

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of grounds maintenance, plant nutrition, water flow, and drainage

Knowledge of applicable environmental regulations and local ordinances

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to include negotiation skills

Computer literate

Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings

Ability to train and communicate effectively

General knowledge and understanding of construction

Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written

Other Requirements:

Holds Licensed Irrigator credentials issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Meets the minimum requirements of the physical capabilities job description

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Directs and manages the maintenance, repair, appearance, and security of all playfields and yards, trees, shrubs, plants, irrigation systems, fences, parking lots, playground equipment, canopies, sidewalks, and walkways in the school district.
2. Manages the contracts established with outside contractors/vendors to perform maintenance and landscape functions.
3. Prepares the annual budget and monitors its use for prudent and cost effective expenditures.
4. Makes regularly scheduled visits to and inspects all properties to ensure objectives are met. Maintains an established method for the regular evaluation of properties.
5. Supervises the daily work performance of all grounds personnel and implements systems to accurately record each employee’s performance, attendance record, training, etc.  Evaluate the job performance of assigned staff on an annual basis.
6. Responsible for educating, motivating, and instilling a degree of care, quality, pride, and job enjoyment with each employee. Maintains an ongoing training program for staff.
7. Interviews applicants and submits recommendations to hire for all grounds positions.
8. Organizes an directs the use of personnel within the department and makes sound recommendations relative to transfer, retention, and dismissal of personnel.
9. Available and able to answer technical questions and solve problems as required.
10. Specifically sets the objectives of the department on a weekly basis.
11. Maintain an inventory of equipment, tools, parts, and supplies and implements controls for these.  Responsible for the repair and maintenance of department equipment.
12. Prepares specifications for contracted work for the Purchasing Department. Estimates projects as requested.
13. Reviews construction specifications and blueprints for facility related items.
14. Initiates, reviews, rejects, and/or approves all electronic work requests and purchases for the department.
15. Schedules and deploys staff and contractors to achieve objectives.
16. Prepares, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents as required.
17. Develops and maintains written departmental procedures.
18. Recommends long-term and short-term plans to upgrade and/or improve properties, and to replace and/or upgrade equipment and machinery.
19. Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements, and implement them or make recommendations regarding them as appropriate.
20. Maintain confidentiality.
21. Participate in meetings and training sessions as designed by District staff.
22. Regular and consistent attendance.
23. All other duties as assigned.

Equipment Used:

Front loader tractor, trencher, and mower, riding and power mower, gas-powered weed trimmer, blower, edger, sprayer, striping machine, garden and hand tools, posthole auger, aerator, chain saw, artificial turf grooming machine and other lawn maintenance/landscaping equipment as required. Also, shop table saw, miter saw and band saw, Light truck or van.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Continual walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, and heavy lifting and carrying. Work outside and around moving objects or vehicles. Exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals (herbicides and fertilizer), and loud noises. Frequent district wide travel. Maintain emotional control under stress. Demonstrate patience and flexibility in changing job demands and when interacting with parents, staff, students, visitors, and the public. Work with frequent interruptions. Continuous standing. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.