A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
The Turf Maintenance Specialists within the Grounds department are responsible for aspects of landscape maintenance within an assigned geographic zone.
This is a field working position leading a crew of generally three (3) AFSCME Groundskeepers and up to six (6) temporary or student staff. This position works alongside their crew and must be available for overtime in the winter months for snow removal.
The Turf Maintenance Specialist position reports to the Grounds Supervisor and is expected to work collaboratively with other Grounds Specialists within their assigned campus zones.
- Organize, coordinate, and carry out Work Plan activities for the maintenance of turf and hardscape areas, such as mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, leaf removal, hardscape cleanup, power washing, snow removal, and other grounds maintenance activities required in a campus setting.
- Organize, motivate, and develop a cohesive and highly productive team.
- Assist with recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of temporary staff and coordinate training.
- Assist other specialty crews working within the assigned zone as needed.
- Represent the department and consult with customers in matters related to customer-specific landscape maintenance activities.
- Keep abreast of new developments in landscape maintenance practices such as new products, equipment, and current cultural techniques.
- Organize, coordinate, and carry out all preventative maintenance, repairs, storage, and training for all assigned equipment.
- Coordinate and perform snow removal as needed.
- Routinely operate various Grounds maintenance equipment such as wheel loaders, skid loaders, tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, etc.
- Routinely use various Grounds maintenance hand tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, blowers, rototillers, push spreaders, etc.
- Routinely and independently move materials (weighing up to 50 lbs) from the floor to the transportation vehicle and from the transportation vehicle to various sites across campus, including areas inside and outside of buildings as well as on various types of terrain.
- Mix and apply selective and non-selective herbicides or fertilizers in properly calibrated proportions. Coordinate and carry out invasive species removal programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Associate's degree, or equivalent combination of training/education and experience in a related field
- Experience in a working lead landscape maintenance position directing the work of others
- Michigan Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicator License with categories 3a, 3b and 6, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of employment
- Valid driver's license with less than six (6) points
- Ability to obtain upon employment and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card
- Ability to organize, motivate, and develop a cohesive and highly productive team
- Experience with professional landscape maintenance and equipment
- Experience with professional snow removal operations and equipment
- Ability to work overtime, including holidays and weekends if needed/required (i.e. snow removal, etc.)
- Must be able to perform all duties within the classification, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with equivalent experience.
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