Groundskeeper I

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

There are three (3) Groundskeeper vacancies available to be filled. DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Assistant Manager of Grounds, the Groundskeeper I work includes semi-skilled manual work, with general, technical, and administrative supervision . An employee in this class maintains playing fields, trees, shrubbery, lawns, and other grounds of the Howard County School System.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.

Education:

High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here .

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance.

Experience in grounds maintenance at a PreK-12 school system.

Interest in horticulture

LICENSURE

Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. Requirement to advance to a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement within one year.

Current holders of a Commercial Drivers license must register with, allow background query and receive clearance from the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Operates backhoe, tractors, edgers, sod cutters, dump trucks, various types of mowing equipment and hand tools.

Maintains playing fields and other areas, seeds them, cuts sod, prunes trees, grass, and shrubbery.

Prepares mulch and applies same around trees and shrubbery.

Removes snow and ice from walkways and pathways.

Hauls stones and gravel from quarries to job sites.

Cleans tracks and parking lots.

Assists in the transporting of small equipment to other sites.

Cleans and maintains equipment.

Performs preventive maintenance on all equipment used.

Employee Safety

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.

The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator .

The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge of the operation and preventive maintenance of equipment.

Knowledge of grading techniques, trimming, planting and methods of fertilizing.

Ability to maintain lawns, playing fields, trees, and other grounds for the school system.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

Requires extensive walking, stooping, pushing, carrying, climbing, bending, and lifting.

Ability to pick up, carry and handle tools, materials, and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.

Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, climb use arm, and hand movements and reach above shoulders for long periods of time.

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Ability to respond to emergency calls, 24 hours a day/7 days a week

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Working Hours

The duty day for a full-time position is 8 .5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch.

This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be accepted . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely matches the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee bargaining unit . This position is Grade I V on the Audio Visual/ Grounds/ Maintenance/ Warehouse salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is non-exempt .

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary .

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the DOT physical examination (including audiogram) and regulated drug screening administered by a medical service selected by the Howard