Summary

Irrigates, mows, rakes, trims, and seeds lawns; applies fertilizers; prepares areas for new turf. Operates grounds equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Irrigates landscaped areas as needed.
2. Prepares areas for new turf and seeds lawns.
3. Lays sod as appropriate to the requirements of the facility.
4. Picks up and disposes of litter.
5. Operates grounds equipment including riding mowers, sprayers, aerators, and/or small tractors.
6. Applies fertilizers.
7. Performs snow removal, as required.
8. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
9. May perform general maintenance, custodial, and trash removal tasks.
10. Oversees the work of employees in supporting roles, including assigning workload and monitoring employee performance.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; no previous experience required.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance and turf equipment operations.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Knowledge of fertilizer and/or pesticide applications.
• Knowledge of turf propagation techniques.
• Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to lay sod.
• Ability to lead and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/12/2024