Maintains the grounds of a formally landscaped college campus, to include remote campus locations such as Grice Marine Lab, Stono Preserve and Patriot Point athletic facilities. This includes routine maintenance such as policing the grounds, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, weeding, and renovating beds as needed. Plants and maintains container gardens and flower beds on campus to include installation, fertilization, deadheading, transplanting, watering and removal of water from porches, etc.
Minimum Requirements
High School diploma or GED and the ability to understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions. Knowledge of commonly used landscape plants and irrigation systems helpful. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of and ability to learn commonly used landscaping plants and various pruning and shearing techniques for shrubbery and trees. Must be able to operate a variety of landscape equipment and tools, including mowers, weed eaters, edgers, blowers, shears, chainsaws, etc. Knowledge of or ability to learn how to apply fertilizer and mulch, weed beds, and plant/transplant material. Ability to assist in the upkeep of College vehicles and power equipment.
Must be reliable and responsible. Prefer working knowledge of methods/procedures associated with maintenance of plants and flowers, both annual and perennial. Position requires basic computer skills and working knowledge and experience in using e-mail. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is preferred. Experience in utilizing on-line work order systems is a plus. Skill with electronic devices such as iPhone and iPad is preferred. Must be able to follow oral & written instructions. All employees at the College are expected to perform their jobs in a safe manner in accordance with best safety practices as prescribed by their department, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration training as provided by Facilities Management at the College of Charleston.
Additional Comments Regarding Position
Must be physically able to perform duties as described, including lifting and handling heavy equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and working outside in all types of weather. Must be able to stand and walk around the campus performing grounds keeping duties for the entire shift. Must be able to climb steps/ladders, bend, reach, and stoop as necessary to perform grounds keeping duties. Some weekend, overtime, and call back work may be required to handle special events, peak workloads, and emergencies. May be required to be on campus prior to and immediately following all emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, snow/ice storms, etc. A valid SC driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment is preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.
Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
1. Waters, fertilizes, deadheads flowers in container gardens and flower beds as needed or instructed. Assists in the renovation of over-established plant beds. Weeds and mulches all established plant beds.
Operates mobile electronic device to access, update, and complete work orders to include all appropriate information to reflect action taken, labor hours, parts, materials and other historical and cost related items. Performs grounds keeping duties throughout the college campus and around various college buildings, dormitories, historic homes, office buildings and large facilities. Responds to assigned work orders with a sense of urgency and ensures appropriate and timely resolution. Operates mobile electronic device to access, update, and complete work orders to include all appropriate information to reflect action taken, labor hours, parts, materials and other historical and cost related items.
Essential or Marginal
Essential
Percent of Time
40
Activity
2. Changes plant material seasonally. Plants, transplants, and prunes plants and flowers as instructed. Prunes shrubs and trees as needed, according to the season. Applies fertilizer to trees, shrubs and lawns. Assists with seeding, planting and transplanting as required.
Essential or Marginal
Essential
Percent of Time
30
Activity
3. Operates blower to cleans up excess leaves and water drained from containers. Keeps all walkways, plant and grass beds free of debris (leaves, paper, litter, limbs, etc.). Edges and mows lawns. Rakes leaves and debris as needed. Assists in driving college vehicles, transporting crews and tools/equipment to various locales.
Essential or Marginal
Essential
Percent of Time
20
Activity
4. Assists in the upkeep of all power equipment; changing oil; cleaning air filters and sharpening blades. Assists in troubleshooting a complex irrigation system.
Demonstrates safety knowledge by practicing and adhering to all proper safety procedures and OSHA regulations pertaining to the grounds field. Consistently wears/uses appropriate personal protective equipment as required. Responsible for ensuring that furniture, floors, walls, and surrounding work area is protected from dust and debris while work is being performed. Also responsible for ensuring that all job sites are thoroughly cleaned when work has been completed.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher education south of Virginia and the 13th oldest in the United States. The College has earned a reputation for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences throughout its nearly 250-year history, and this remarkable tradition provides a strong foundation for 21st century learning. The College is also one of the largest and most sought-after employers in the region. The College is more than just a place to work; it’s a place where you can build a career and make a difference for our students and the community. We offer a wealth of benefits, resources and learning opportunities.
