Groundskeeper

Class Specifications – G.15

Lead Groundskeeper – 8132
Groundskeeper – 8133
Grounds Equipment Operator – 8134

April 1973, Updated September 2026

Series Concept

Groundskeepers perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled grounds maintenance and gardening tasks; and perform other related duties as required.

Incumbents typically work as a part of a regular crew involved in the care and maintenance of plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, flowers, lawns and bard surfaced areas on the grounds of a campus or related facility; mow lawns and fields; edge around walks, flower beds, walls and similar areas; trim and prune shrubs, hedges and trees; prepare and fertilize soil for planting; spray landscaped areas with insecticides and herbicides; hoe weeds and rake lawns; water various ground areas by hand or by operating the sprinkler system; perform minor maintenance on hard surfaced areas such as walks and roadways; operate trucks, power mowers, power edgers, and a variety of attachments and band grounds equipment or tools; service and make minor repairs or adjustments to equipment; may lay out and maintain athletic fields; and may use carpentry tools in simple construction of facilities such as wooden retaining walls.

Classes in the Groundskeeper series differ from those in the Nursery Technician series and specialized farming classes because they do not require frequent use of operational-level nursery skills.

The Groundskeeper series consists of three levels. Groundskeeper is the operational level; Grounds Equipment Operator is the operational level involving specialized skills; Lead Groundskeeper is the working supervisory level.

Class Concepts

Lead Groundskeeper

Under general supervision, incumbents serve as working supervisors to one or more Grounds crews.

Incumbents typically transmit and explain work orders to Groundskeepers and other operational-level grounds workers, helpers, or supervisors to solve problems; they ensure that assignments are completed satisfactorily, and perform the range of duties outlined in the Series concept. Additionally, incumbents are responsible for making or modifying daily work assignments of grounds crew members.

Groundskeeper Equipment Operator

Under supervision, incumbents operate specialized medium- to heavy-duty grounds and related equipment as a primary assignment on a regular and continuing basis. Examples of equipment operated are backhoes, cranes, ditch trenchers, forklifts, skip loaders, street sweepers, and tractors.

Grounds Equipment Operator

Under supervision, incumbents perform operational-level groundskeeping duties as outlined in the Series concept.

Minimum Qualifications

Lead Groundskeeper

Ability to follow written and oral instructions; two years of experience in grounds maintenance or gardening; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Groundskeeper Equipment Operator

Ability to follow oral and written instructions; one year of experience operating medium- to heavy-duty grounds equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Grounds Equipment Operator

Ability to follow oral and written instructions; one year of experience in grounds maintenance or gardening; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.