State of Maryland

A Groundskeeper is the full performance level of work in the care and maintenance of grounds, gardens and landscaped areas surrounding State buildings and along State roads and highways.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Grounds Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor or other supervisor.  Employees may be subject to call-in on a 24-hour basis. Employees may be assigned to shifts to include weekends and holidays.  The work may be performed in extremes of heat and cold. Employees may be exposed to noisy, dirty and uncomfortable conditions.  The work may require the use of protective equipment such as goggles when operating machinery and power tools and back braces, safety shoes and gloves when performing grounds duties. The work may require working in confined spaces and at various heights and moving heavy objects.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Groundskeeper is differentiated from the and Groundskeeper Lead in that the Groundskeeper performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision while the Groundskeeper Lead assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains lower-level Groundskeepers.

Mows grass, applies fertilizer and pesticides, prunes shrubbery and trees, weeds and mulches garden beds and rakes leaves;

Plants and waters grass, flowers, shrubbery and trees;

Maintains equipment by inspecting and replacing filters, belts and switches, cleaning and lubricating machinery and tools, changing motor fluids and sharpening blades;

Performs minor repairs to grounds such as patching walkways and steps;

Cuts and removes dead or damaged trees;

Maintains roads, storm drains and parking areas;

Removes snow and ice from driveways, walkways and other outdoor areas;

Removes dirt, rubbish, leaves and other refuse from grounds;

May maintain a small greenhouse for growing flowers and shrubs;

May clean and do simple maintenance indoors;

May assist in the maintenance of recreational facilities;

May assist in opening and closing graves and in maintaining gravesites;

May load and unload supplies and equipment from trucks, move furniture and equipment and set up chairs and tables for meetings and special events;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in the care, beautification and maintenance of State grounds;

Knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques used in routine equipment maintenance and repair;

Knowledge of the safe use, adjustment and maintenance of manual and power tools and equipment used in cleaning, maintaining and servicing State grounds;

Ability to clean and maintain State grounds;

Ability to use and maintain manual and power tools and equipment;

Ability to remove snow and ice from outdoor areas;

Ability to clean indoor and outdoor areas;

Ability to move heavy objects;

Ability to read warning labels and directions for safe use of supplies, materials and equipment;

Ability to follow instructions.

Education:   None.

Experience: Six months of experience in the care and maintenance of grounds.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit A- Labor and Trades classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.