(Auraria) Grounds & Nursery II chez State of Colorado, CO

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of grounds maintenance tasks, including but not limited to servicing waste receptacles, litter collection, lawn and turf care, landscaping upkeep, and cleaning and maintaining hardscape surfaces. This role also plays a key part in campus snow removal efforts, which may involve shoveling, salting, plowing, and brushing entryways, walkways, and roadways. The individual serves as a team leader for snow removal operations, operating snow removal equipment including training new employees, directing snow placement to appropriate areas when needed. 

In addition to hands-on responsibilities, this position provides guidance, training, and oversight to Grounds and Nursery I staff, ensuring quality work and operational efficiency. Maintain required MSDS sheets and PPE inventory. 

This role acts as the lead worker for a small team (2–4 employees), mentoring, instructing, and evaluating their performance in assigned areas. The position also contributes feedback to the Supervisor as part of the performance evaluation process.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Grounds & Nursery II to join our team. This role is essential in maintaining a clean, safe, and visually appealing campus environment. Responsibilities include general grounds upkeep, landscape care, equipment operation, and seasonal tasks such as snow removal.

Landscape & Turf Maintenance

• Carry out turf care activities such as fertilizing, aerating, seeding, top dressing, mowing, trimming, planting, rocking, and mulching. 
• Repair and maintenance irrigation systems. Including controllers, valves and spray heads. 
• Prune trees, shrubs, and remove weeds to maintain healthy and attractive landscaping.
• Provide leadership and training to team members in landscaping best practices.

General Grounds Maintenance

• Perform routine cleanup including sweeping, raking, emptying and relining trash receptacles, and litter removal across all campus areas (parking lots, sidewalks, landscaping, patios, and roadways).
• Wash trash cans, patios, and building entryways.
• Operate power washers to remove graffiti, gum, and other surface debris.

Equipment Operation

• Operate, maintain, and clean groundskeeping equipment and vehicles.
• Help train and supervise staff on the safe and effective use of all grounds-related equipment.

Snow Removal & Safety

• Serve as a lead member of the Snow Removal Team, ensuring timely and effective response during inclement weather.
• Maintain inventory of safety supplies for the Grounds Shop.
• Provide safety training and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Oversee chemical storage and maintain the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) documentation.
• Lead and support special projects and seasonal tasks as needed.

• Two (2) years of professional responsible grounds care and maintenance work experience. (this must be specifically demonstrated on your application). 
• Must have a valid and unencumbered Colorado driver's license at the time the application is submitted. 

• Must maintain a valid and unencumbered Colorado driver's license. 
• Please note that if offered employment, candidate will be required to furnish a copy of the motor vehicle report (MVR) as part of the background check process. 
• The person selected for this position must maintain their ability to stand for long periods of time as well as kneel, stoop, crouch, reach and grab in the performance of job-related duties. 
• Must be willing and able to physically maneuver and manipulate various hand tools (shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes) used in the performance of job-related duties
• This person selected for this position must maintain their ability to perform the physical demands of this position which include physically manipulating and moving shrubbery and other landscaping material in excess of 100 lbs. Will frequently manipulate 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. 
• Must be willing and able to perform work duties while exposed to extremes in weather elements (i.e. snow in the winter, heat in the summer). 
• Willingness to adhere to all safety guidance material.