Maintains the grounds of a formally landscaped college campus and off campus sites (Patriot’s Point Athletic fields, Grice Marine Lab, Stono Preserve and Lockwood). Performs chemical applications, pond/water feature maintenance and general landscape maintenance. Other duties include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance such as policing the grounds, debris pickup, fertilizing, blowing walkways, weeding, pruning, unclogging drainage as needed, etc.

High School diploma or GED and the ability to understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions. Knowledge of commonly used landscape plants and irrigation systems helpful. Pesticide applications license is required. Must have valid SC driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, as the employee will be required to drive state vehicles to transport equipment and/or personnel as needed. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Requires knowledge of commonly used landscaping plants. Must be able to operate landscaping equipment/tools, including sprayers and spreaders, and recognize/identify/treat ornamental plant and tree pathogens and diseases. Knowledge of pond and water feature maintenance would be helpful. Knowledge of athletic fields with Bermuda grass, common areas of zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass is required. Must have basic knowledge of chemicals used in grounds maintenance. Must know how to apply fertilizer/pesticides. Knowledge in appropriate pesticide applications, fertilizing and preventive treatments according to state regulations is required. Must have the skill to apply chemicals to grounds/plants/bedding areas using a tank sprayer or backpack sprayer. Required to analyze pesticide and fertilizing treatments and report problems to supervisor. Must read, understand and keep MSDS sheets current at all times. Must have the ability to keep a log to document all spraying and chemical applications and ensure that it is current at all times. Ability/knowledge to perform routine safety inspections on all spraying or chemical application equipment.

Must be reliable and responsible. Prefer working knowledge of methods/procedures associated with maintenance of plants and flowers, both annual and perennial. Must be able to recognize and know when and how to treat ornamental pathogens and diseases.

Position requires basic computer skills and working knowledge and experience in using e-mail. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is preferred. Experience in utilizing on-line work order systems is a plus. Skill with electronic devices such as iPhone and iPad is preferred.

All employees at the College are expected to perform their jobs in a safe manner in accordance with best safety practices as prescribed by their department, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration training as provided by Facilities Management at the College of Charleston.

Must be physically able to perform duties as described, including lifting and handling heavy equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and working outside in all types of weather. Must be able to stand and walk around the campus performing grounds keeping duties for the entire shift. Must be able to drive to off campus sites each week. Must be able to climb steps/ladders, bend, reach, and stoop as necessary to perform grounds keeping duties. Some weekend, overtime, and call back work may be required to handle special events, peak workloads, and emergencies. May be required to be on campus prior to and immediately following all emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, snow/ice storms, etc.

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.

The College of Charleston is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

1. Fertilizes and treats lawns and grassy areas per lawn program. Inspects plants, trees, bushes and annuals for insects and diseases. Identifies pests and plant disease and applies appropriate herbicide/insecticide to eliminate weeds, pests and ornamental plant problems. Monitors areas after treatment is applied to ensure the desired and appropriate result is achieved. Inspects trees for signs of disease and other issues and calls problems to the attention of the supervisor so a tree service can be contracted if necessary to address the issues. Works closely with supervisor and outside contractor when necessary if tree work is being performed on campus.

Responds to assigned work orders with a sense of urgency and ensures appropriate and timely resolution. Operates mobile electronic device to access, update, and complete work orders to include all appropriate information to reflect action taken, labor hours, parts, materials and other historical and cost related items. Maintains accurate records related to assigned work including pesticide usage and work performed.

2. Applies fertilizer to trees, shrubs and lawns. Assists with seeding, planting and transplanting as required.

3. Keeps all walkways, plant and grass beds free of debris (leaves, paper, litter, limbs, etc.). Operates blower to clean up excess leaves and water from curbs and drains. Assists with preparing campus grounds and satellite grounds locations for hurricanes, heavy rains, high winds, flooding, ice and other storm related issues. This involves, but is not limited to, ensuring drains are free of leaves/debris, hanging baskets/planters are secured, planting beds/plants/shrubs are protected when necessary, etc. Performs storm damage assessment to identify tree damage and calling it to the attention of the supervisor. Performs clean up as needed which involves raking leaves, removing limbs and branches, clearing drains by removing debris, hanging baskets and placing planters back in their normal locations, clearing walkways of ice/snow/other debris, etc.

Assists in driving college vehicles, transporting crews and tools/equipment to various locales.

4. Assists in the upkeep of all related equipment; changing oil; and cleaning air filters as needed. Assists in troubleshooting a complex irrigation system. Demonstrates safety knowledge by practicing and adhering to all proper safety procedures and OSHA regulations pertaining to the grounds field. Consistently wears/uses appropriate personal protective equipment as required. Responsible for ensuring that furniture, floors, walls, and surrounding work area is protected from dust and debris while work is being performed. Also responsible for ensuring that all job sites are thoroughly cleaned when work has been completed. Operates mobile electronic device to access, update, and complete work orders to include all appropriate information to reflect action taken, labor hours, parts, materials and other historical and cost related items.