Groundskeeper

Bemidji State University (BSU) invites qualified applicants to join our team as the Groundskeeper.
 
The Groundskeeper maintains all grounds areas that are owned, leased, or maintained by Bemidji State University and assists in other maintenance areas as needed. Under general supervision this position performs lawn, garden and road maintenance to ensure the grounds are safe and aesthetically pleasing. 
 
Responsibilities of the Groundskeeper include:

• Performing general grounds maintenance work so that the grounds are well-groomed and neat in appearance. Landscaping (trimming, pruning and fertilizing) and operating loaders, tractors, sod cutter, broadcast spreader, mowers, and blowers. Maintaining roads and parking lots by removing snow (hand and mechanical equipment); installing parking lot signs; cleaning parking lots and parking lot drains; assisting with steaming frozen drains. Percent of Time:  40%

• Preparing athletic fields and facilities so that they are ready for use when scheduled; layout, marking, and painting. Athletic fields and facilities are prepared to their best possible condition for use at the schedule time. Placing and operating sprinkling systems so that all areas are properly watered, along with maintaining the sprinkler system. Repairing the sprinkler system, including sprinkler heads; keeping records on well pump water usage; recommending purchase of new parts to minimize downtime and so that major repairs can be made off-season. Percent of Time:  20%         

• Training and providing work direction for student workers so that the task they are asked to carry out are done so in a safe and efficient manner. Percent of Time:  15%            

• Performing general maintenance activities and additional tasks as assigned to maintain the grounds area of Bemidji State University. Securing necessary equipment and supplies needed to fully perform assigned duties. Assisting skilled trades’ personnel as assigned. Percent of Time:  10%

• Repairing and maintaining grounds equipment in order to perform scheduled duties and minimize downtime. Performing routine maintenance and repairs to hand and power equipment, including: diesel engines, mowers, plowing mechanisms, and markers. Mounting snow blower and mower units and installing cabs. Assisting machinery repair worker with mechanical repairs on equipment, including welding and some metal fabrication. Percent of Time:  10%

• Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor which include but are not limited to: assisting in BSU remodeling projects; erecting scaffolding for workers; assisting in the demolition and construction of stud wall partitions, ceilings, and walls; removing concrete walks in preparation for remodeling and forming for walls and slabs as needed. Percent of Time:5%  

• Experience and knowledge of horticulture techniques and practices (planting schedules, germination intervals, and transplantation procedures) sufficient to maintain and improve facility grounds/landscape and recognize and/or treat plant diseases and pests; experience working with native plants.
• Experience with the safe use of and simple repair of handheld tools and machinery (lawn and landscape equipment) and snow removal equipment (hand and heavier equipment).
• Maintenance and groundskeeping experience including the removal of trash; mowing, planting, seeding, pruning, trimming, watering, and care of lawns, trees, and various plantings.
• Knowledge of basic chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications and related safety practices.
• Ability to train and direct the work of less experienced groundskeepers and student workers sufficient to assign responsibilities and inspect finished work.
• Ability to read, interpret and follow oral and written instructions sufficient to independently complete assignments timely using accepted practices and safe techniques.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must possess a active, valid and applicable Class D (basic) MN Driver’s License.
• Must have the ability to lift, move and/or transport up to 80 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally move and/or transport up to 100 pounds.  

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work effectively alone or in a team environment.
• Grounds keeping experience on a multiple building complex including the care of lawns and horticulture practices.
• Experience with lawn and garden care sufficient to prune and trim shrubs, trees, and other plants.
• Experience working with irrigation/sprinkler systems.
• Ability to identify different plants species to diagnose potential diseases and resolve problems with generally accepted standard practices.
• Ability to work with agriculture tractors with mowers, chippers, etc. on a large scale.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

External Applicants: External Applicants: Apply for Vacancy Posting JR0000002258, on our career site: https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/search-for-jobs/ or at https://minnstate.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/Bemidji/Groundskeeper_JR0000002258.

Current Employees: All current employees will need to log in to the career site in Workday to apply for a position. Employees will search for “Browse Jobs – Employees” in Workday via the search bar at the top to view open positions.
 
Note: Internal bid applications will be considered prior to filling the position via the public application process and, therefore, this posting may be closed due to contractual obligations.