UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
JOB DESCRIPTION

CLASS TITLE:                                                GROUNDSKEEPER

CLASS DEFINITION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

To perform work of a semi-skilled nature in the care and maintenance of grounds to be utilized for various outdoor recreational activities; to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives both general and/or specific work assignments and technical instructions from a superior; work is reviewed both in process and upon completion for results obtained and compliance with assignments and instructions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Lays out and reviews the work of a group of laborers when assigned to assist. 

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

In accordance with technical instructions from a superior to perform work of a semi-skilled nature in the care and maintenance of grounds to be utilized for various outdoor recreational activities involving the seeding, trimming, mowing, rolling, watering, spiking and raking of fairways, putting greens, baseball infields, gridirons, etc.; the mixing and application of various chemicals, chemical sprays, fertilizers and top dressing to tees, fairways and greens; the cutting and laying of sod and turf as well as the construction and repair of walks, lanes, parking places, sheds and benches necessary for the effective and safe operation of various outdoor recreational activities.

On occasions, to supervise the work of laborers when assigned to assist.

To inspect the grounds frequently to determine needed care, maintenance, construction and reconstruction work.

To keep the grounds free of all kinds of litter, debris or other objects or materials harmful to the operation of such grounds.

To inspect for and take the necessary steps to effect the control of insect pests and ground diseases.

During the off-season, to engage in such activities as snow removal, sanding of roads and pathways, sweeping, cleaning of equipment and machinery in preparation for various outdoor recreational activities.

To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

A working knowledge of the methods and techniques of grounds keeping; working knowledge of the methods and techniques of mixing and applying, various chemicals, chemical sprays, fertilizers, top dressing and grass seed; the ability to operate and make minor repairs to various equipment and hand tools related to grounds maintenance; the ability to apply prescribed methods for the control of insect pests and common grass diseases; the ability to lay out and supervise the work of others when assigned to assist; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION:

Such as may have been gained through completion of ten school grades; and 

EXPERIENCE:

Such as may have been gained through employment as a greens keeper at a golf course or as a grounds keeper with lawn or general landscaping experience.

OR:    any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.