Landscaping and Grounds Tradesperson

Hiring Organization: Michigan State Capital Commission
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Lansing, Mi
Application Due Date: August 1, 2022

Michigan State Capitol Commission

Position Description

This Position Description does not constitute a contract.

Position: Landscaping and Grounds Tradesperson

Agency: Michigan State Capitol Commission

Status: Full-time

General Description of the Position:

The employee in this position performs semi-skilled grounds and landscaping work for the Michigan State Capitol Building, which includes operating electric and gasoline-powered equipment and machines and using hand and power tools for work activities. Primary duties include performing tasks common to the care of exterior grounds for grass, perennial and annual flower beds during the summer, and snow removal during the winter. Landscapes grounds area, maintains irrigation systems, and applies lawn care chemicals and pesticides. Performs planting, weeding, raking, trash pick-up, and other functions related to the upkeep of the parking lot and lawn on a year-round basis. Ensures tools and equipment are in proper condition and performs minor repairs and service to equipment and tools. Work is performed under regular supervision, but with experience, individuals are expected to perform routine projects and tasks independently.

Examples of Work:

Performs regular and directed tasks common to the care of exterior maintenance for grounds, landscaping and snow removal for the Capitol Building’s grounds and parking lot.
Performs all turf maintenance tasks, including mowing the lawn with riding or push mowers; aerating lawn and border areas, trimming and edging sidewalks, and raking and removing leaves.
Weeds, trims and thins flower beds; cultivates, prunes and cares for plants and bushes.
Oversees seeding, watering, mulching, fertilizing; applies herbicide and pesticide chemicals to outside plantings, lawn and turf.
Landscapes new and existing grounds areas; repairs damaged areas; inspects plants for disease, insects, or damage; replaces bushes and shrubs, and removes weeds.
Maintains the sprinkler and irrigation operating system and performs minor repairs and upkeep for sprinkler heads, valves, and lines.
Removes snow from sidewalks, access areas, entryways and parking lot using snow blower, shovel, and snow removal equipment; applies snowmelt products during icy conditions.
Removes trash and debris from perimeter sidewalks and lawn daily; hauls and disposes of landscape trimmings and leaves; daily cleaning of trash cans and urns; daily inspections of monuments, and inspecting gate arms.
Prepares outdoor locations for use by visitors, vendors, and the public by erecting portable signage and structures for special events and rallies. May move and set-up furniture, audio equipment, trash cans, and other supplies. Monitors events and provides on-site event assistance.
Operates a wide variety of tools and equipment related to the assigned trade, including hand and power tools, router, drills, saws, platform lift, snow plows, tractors, forklifts, and automotive vehicles.
Ensures that all equipment is operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance, cleaning tools and equipment, and maintaining proper equipment service and operation. Reports all unsafe conditions or malfunctioning equipment to supervisor and adheres to policies and procedures to ensure quality, safety, and consistency.
Maintains a variety of electronic and written records, work logs and service requests related to maintenance and repair activities, such as pesticide and chemical applications, equipment servicing schedules and repair, inventory of tools, irrigation schedule and records, etc. Maintains current Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for potentially hazardous materials.
May order supplies or obtain quotes for all groundskeeping functions, such as arranging for services of outside vendors or purchasing supplies and equipment. Maintains supplies in warehouse and tracks inventory; recommends new equipment and tools as needed.
Drives truck to pick up supplies and materials.
Provides back-up and assistance to interior trades staff and participates in other general maintenance tasks as required.
Makes suggestions to improve work environment, efficiency, and overall exterior operations.
Maintains favorable public relations and displays a team-oriented attitude to represent the Capitol Commission in a positive manner and provide high-quality services.
Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES THE EMPLOYEE SHALL EXHIBIT IN THE POSITION:

Considerable knowledge of the standard techniques, materials, tools and equipment and methods of landscaping and maintenance of lawns and formal plantings.
Knowledge of the methods used in exterior facilities maintenance, including basic knowledge of grounds keeping procedures and general gardening practices.
Knowledge of turf management and maintenance practices and techniques.
Knowledge of horticulture and methods of caring for plants, trees and lawns.
Basic knowledge of building trades such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, and building repair.
Knowledge of safe work methods, occupational hazards, and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
Ability to effectively operate motorized lawn equipment, snow removal equipment, hand and power tools, a forklift and other tools used for grounds maintenance work.
Knowledge of the proper use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Knowledge of basic record keeping practices, including the ability to maintain computerized logs and other written records.
Ability to repair and maintain equipment, machinery, tools, and motor vehicles.
Ability to use a computer.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and instructions.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and work independently.
Ability to make rough estimates of the time and materials required and effectively manage time.
Ability to perform physical labor, including bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping and crawling, climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 75 pounds on an occasional basis.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships to achieve work goals.
Ability to maintain highly favorable public relations, including but not limited to coworkers, building tenants, security staff, visitors, vendors, and contractors, etc.

Minimum Qualifications for the Position:

High school diploma or GED required.
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license required.
Minimum one year of work experience in landscaping or grounds-related work required.
Experience operating and maintaining a variety of heavy lawn equipment, motorized vehicles, and common hand/power tools used for exterior maintenance and landscaping required.
Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position.
Equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities acceptable, including related work experience in grounds maintenance and building trades.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing and able to work irregular hours on a frequent basis, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and overtime as required.
Must be able to life and carry grounds keeping supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 75 pounds on an occasional basis.
Must be willing and able to work outside in inclement weather conditions.