Grounds Worker

Hiring Incentive Program Effective 06/04/2024.

* * * $3,000 HIRING INCENTIVE * * *

A $3,000, one-time hiring incentive, paid in $1,000 increments (not added to base salary). Eligible newly hired full-time Grounds Worker I’s will receive an incentive upon satisfactory job performance after 3, 6, and 12 months of service, totaling $3,000. Continuation of this program depends on funding and approval by the Manager.

REPORTS TO: Grounds Crew Leader

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

PAY GRADE: 108

SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to perform a full range of groundskeeping duties in developing and maintaining outdoor environments at government parks, buildings, and rights-of-way. Responsibilities include soil preparation, landscape and irrigation system installation and maintenance, chemical treatments, equipment operation and maintenance, and other tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m.

- 3:30 p.m.

May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others. When operating vehicles, responsible for safety, readiness, and adherence to ACC's safe driving policy.

Emergency Position

This position is designated as an emergency position requiring attendance during all emergency conditions, such as inclement weather, utility failure, fire, or evacuations.

High school diploma or equivalent with six months of landscaping or outdoor work experience required, or equivalent education, training, and experience providing necessary skills and knowledge. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The following duties are typical but not exclusive:

• Mowing, pruning, and removal of limbs, trees, and stumps.
• Operating landscape equipment such as mowers, tractors, trimmers, sprayers, and chainsaws.
• Maintaining ornamental plantings, including fertilizing, weeding, watering, spraying, mulching, and pruning.
• Installing and establishing trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers.
• Soil preparation, cultivation, and amendments.
• Operating heavy equipment like backhoes, loaders, or tractors.
• Litter control during events and routine maintenance.
• Watering landscape plantings and applying herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
• Constructing retaining walls, drainage systems, walkways, and trails.
• Installing and repairing irrigation systems.
• Decorative seasonal tasks such as installing lights, banners, and ornaments.
• Routine equipment maintenance.
• Supervising temporary or community service workers in the absence of the Grounds Crew Leader.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of landscape management, horticulture, irrigation, soil analysis, and heavy equipment.
• Understanding of applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle mathematical calculations.
• Proficiency with landscape tools and heavy machinery.
• Good organizational, management, and human relations skills.
• Judgment and discretion in supervision, emergency response, and procedures management.

(ADA) Minimum Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to operate machinery and equipment, work in physically demanding conditions, and exert significant force (over 100 pounds occasionally, over 50 pounds frequently). Must perform tasks involving stooping, kneeling, reaching, and other physical activities.

Other skills include: Data comparison, interpersonal communication, reading and writing in technical contexts, learning complex principles, verbal and numerical aptitude, spatial awareness, motor coordination, manual dexterity, color discrimination, stress management, and effective communication via speech and hearing.

ACCgov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses. For accommodations, contact Leah Jagatic at  or