Grounds Maintenance Technician

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The Grounds Maintenance Technician is a standalone position. Incumbents are responsible for performing entry-level, semi-skilled activities in maintaining District grounds. 

Examples of Duties

The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Mows property lawns, trims shrubs and groundcovers. Includes the operation of mowing equipment, skid steer deck mower, weed whacker, trimmers, and other equipment.
• Applies mulch to flower beds.
• Repairs damaged fencing.
• Establishes and maintains irrigation systems for District properties, which includes setting time clocks; connecting electrical wires; monitoring and repairing sprinklers and lines; and ensuring proper sprinkler rotation.
• Removes and controls the growth of weeds and unwanted vegetation by using a line trimmer, spraying pesticides, and/or using a light tractor.
• Operates heavy equipment, such as a skid steer and backhoe to dig mainlines and valves that require maintenance. Use of forklift to transport equipment.
• Nets and removes dead fish from lakes during cleanings and distributes chemicals, such as lime, to eliminate heavy odors caused by decaying fish.
• Rakes and cleans debris from trash racks and gates. Clean and maintain drains on properties. 
• Handles job stress.
• Interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
• Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Grounds maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Pesticide application principles and procedures.
• Lawn care principles.
• Irrigation system design and maintenance principles.
• Safe work practices.
• Fence repairs.

Ability and Skills in:

• Performing landscape maintenance duties.
• Troubleshooting irrigation systems.
• Trimming trees.
• Using applicable lawn care machinery and equipment.
• Applying pesticides and other chemicals.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree. Obtaining a Qualified Applicators License or Certificate will be highly desired.

Experience: One year of related grounds maintenance experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

License: Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical: Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in a field setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate equipment including use of hand tools, and other related equipment; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit www.ocwd.com to complete an application. A valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance is required. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE

Supplemental Information

Schedule: 9/80 schedule – 6:30 am – 4:00 pm; alternating Fridays off.