GROUNDS WORKER

DEFINITION

Under direction of a Head Grounds Worker or other supervisory official in a state 
institution or department, does tasks involved in the maintenance of grounds; does 
other related duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only.  A 
particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job 
specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Takes the lead in work involved in the maintenance of institutional grounds. 

Prepares soil and the seeds, rolls, cuts, weeds, waters, trims lawns.

Sprays, prunes, and trims orchards and shrubs.

Plants, transplants, and thins trees and shrubs.

Removes dirt, rubbish, snow, leaves and other refuse and assists in the 
maintenance of roads, lawns, shed, benches, and parking areas.

May plan the removal of snow and/or direct the operation of snow blowers and 
salt spreaders.

Sees that the noncultivated areas are properly maintained.

Provides assignments and instructions to employees and to patients and/or inmates 
assigned to grounds duties and supervises the performance of the work.

Sees that equipment, materials, and supplies including tractors, grass cutters, 
scythes, hoes, rakes, sprinklers, garden house, cultivators, spades, sheers, spraying 
devices, fertilizers, seeders, and other garden and grounds keeping equipment and 
tools are used properly.

Prepares requisitions for equipment, materials, and supplies and ensures  these are 
safeguarded, stored, used, and recorded.

May ensure the safety, custody, and progress of patients and/or inmates assigned 
to grounds work.

Reports unusual occurrences and significant conditions in the buildings and on the 
grounds, and takes those steps required to ensure safe, orderly conditions.

Reports on progress of individual patients and/or inmates as required, and 
prepares other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

May be required for short periods to perform assigned duties within buildings.

May be required to undergo fire training classes (in the Department of Human 
Services).

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual 
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

REQUIREMENTS

	EXPERIENCE
	One (1) year of experience in the performance of semiskilled grounds 
	keeping work.
	
	LICENSE
	Appointees may be required to obtain a NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator's 
	or Operator's Permit in the required categories.
	
	Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New 
	Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is 
	necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of methods used to plan, lay out and perform lawn and grounds 
maintenance work.

Ability to take the lead in the work involved in laying out flower beds and 
directing preparation of soil, planting of seeds, weeding and thinning of bedding 
stock, and production of flowers for cutting purposes.

Ability to perform the tasks necessary for the propagation of trees, shrubbery, and 
perennial plants, and to direct the pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, mowing 
of lawns, and trimming of hedges.

Ability to properly use equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, and to train 
patients and inmates in their proper handling and maintenance.

Ability to take the measures required to ensure safety and custody of patients and 
inmates assigned to grounds keeping work, to recognize suspicious and/or 
dangerous situations and occurrences, and to take necessary measures to secure 
safe, orderly conditions.

Ability to requisition, safeguard, store, and record equipment, tools, materials, and 
supplies.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.

Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 
information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to 
perform the duties of the position.  American Sign Language or Braille may also 
be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can 
perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made 
to their known limitations.  If the accommodation cannot be made because it 
would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

CODES:   09/A10 - 42744     MCK     03/03/05