GroundskeeperThe Groundskeeper is responsible for the year-round appearance and upkeep of the grounds at all agency properties, including campuses, program sites, and residential homes. The grounds are the first thing clients, families, staff, and visitors see, and the Groundskeeper's work directly supports a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for environment. During the growing season, duties center on landscape bed maintenance, care of new plantings, and regular grounds policing.
During the winter months, the Groundskeeper provides snow and ice removal and completes maintenance tasks assigned by the Facilities Manager, ensuring a full and productive workload throughout the year. The Groundskeeper must be willing to take a great deal of direction from the Facilities Manager and be flexible around schedules and duties.Job Function/ResponsibilitiesMaintains landscape beds, including weeding, mulching, pruning, and seasonal cleanupWaters and cares for new plantings and landscape installations to ensure their establishment and long-term healthPolices all grounds on a consistent schedule, removing litter, debris, and fallen branches to maintain a clean, welcoming appearance for clients, staff, and visitorsEmpties exterior trash and keeps building entrances, walkways, and signage areas clean, including pressure washing as neededInspects and maintains playgrounds and outdoor amenities, including raking play surfaces and upkeep of outdoor furniture and fencingWaters and stakes young trees, reports hazardous limbs, controls weeds in pavement cracks and hardscapes, and keeps storm drains and gutters clearMonitors the work of mowing, lawn treatment, and irrigation vendors and reports quality issues or needed repairs to the Facilities Manager for follow-upPerforms leaf removal and prepares grounds and equipment for seasonal transitionsProvides snow and ice removal for walkways, entrances, and parking areas during winter monthsCompletes assigned maintenance and preventative maintenance tasks during the winter season and other slow periods, as directed by the Facilities ManagerInspects grounds, walkways, and parking areas regularly and reports safety hazards, such as trip hazards or drainage problems, immediately to a supervisorMaintains grounds equipment, tools, and supplies and reports any shortages or repair needs immediately to the Facilities ManagerFollows all required safe working practices when dealing with equipment and chemicalsAssists with setup and teardown for outdoor agency events and site visitsAssists the maintenance team and on-site contractors as neededIs continuously productive, seeking out additional tasks during any slow timesResponds to all duties as assigned by the Facilities Manager or Maintenance LeadQualificationsHigh school education preferredPrevious grounds care, landscaping, or horticulture experience and/or specialized training preferredIllinois pesticide applicator license a plus, but not requiredContinues to expand knowledge of techniques through formal training and on the job learning from the Facilities Manager and other Maintenance staffMust be able to read written instructionsMust be able to communicate well in writing or speakingAbility to lift at least 50 poundsAbility to stand and walk for most of the working dayPhysical body dexterity allows bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, etc. when performing grounds and maintenance tasksAbility to work outdoors in various temperatures and seasonal conditions, including summer heat and winter coldPersonal vehicle, valid Illinois Driver's License, and proof of full insurance coverageBenefitsPTO (paid-time-off) accrual 3 weeks first year (full-time)9 paid holidays1 floating holidaySick Leave accrual 12 days per year (full-time)Medical, vision, and dental insuranceFlexible Spending Account401K with company matchCompany paid life insurance, STD and LTDSupplemental life insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Referral ProgramCHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.