Grounds Worker with Pest Applicator bei Mesa USD 4

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

To perform gardener duties as required by district standards; to dispense and apply pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments; to maintain the cleanliness and safe conditions of a school environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Install new and maintain established and existing landscaped areas (mow, trim, prune, fertilize and water turf, plants, shrubs, and trees)
• Install, over-seed, fertilize and maintain athletic fields
• Program and perform maintenance on manual and automated irrigation systems
• Dispense and apply pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments as required or instructed
• Operate and maintain all necessary grounds equipment to provide an appropriate level of landscape maintenance
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Maintain accurate inventory records to determine supply and equipment requirements
• Retrieve and compile information as required from usage of products
• Assist, as directed by supervisor, in special landscape projects and events
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities 

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor; must have a valid Arizona driver’s license 
• Knowledge in the use and care of grounds equipment and supplies preferred
• Knowledge in all phases of landscape installation and maintenance preferred
• Currently certified with the Arizona Office of Pest Management to dispense pesticides; familiar with various types of fertilizers and pesticides; ability to read and comprehend the label/laws on pesticides used
• If not currently certified, the following will apply

Ability to pass required exams set by the Arizona Department of Agriculture Office of Pest Management in order to apply pesticides at a school district. Certifications in Right of Way (R.O.W.) and Turf and Ornamental (T & O) obtained within three (3) months of hire date required.  The district will pay to the Office of Pest Management the initial license training class, application fee, and first exam in each category. The cost for exam retakes will be the responsibility of the employee.

Education:

• Valid Arizona driver’s license and safe driving record

Experience:

• Knowledge and experience in proper and safe use of grounds supplies and equipment
• Knowledge in the preparation and layout of athletic fields helpful
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees and school staff  

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Good safety and work habits; good attendance record
• Ability to coordinate workload using established priorities; to work alone and unsupervised; 
• Ability to work overtime and to change schedules with minimal notice
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and to establish and to maintain effective and cooperative working relationships 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• Physical Ability: Must be able to perform heavy manual labor, lifting up to 90 pounds.
• Equipment Operation: Experience with field mowers, landscaping machinery, and trucks with trailers
• Landscaping Knowledge: Familiarity with turf care and grounds maintenance practices.
• Safety: Strong safety awareness, especially regarding equipment and chemical handling
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with others
• Dependability: Reliable in attendance and punctuality 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

Prior to employment or during the first three (3) months of new hire probationary period, drug and alcohol testing shall be required of all new contract employees who work in Operations. Any applicants having a confirmed positive test shall not be eligible for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.