Job Description

Responsible for the general maintenance of the gardens, plants, trees, and lawns at The Carlisle Army Barracks.

Essential Functions:

• Performs all assigned work daily at locations needing gardening services
• Uses both hand tools and power equipment
• Prepares and grades terrain and preps soil for flower or groundcover installation
• Locates and plants shrubs, trees, and flowers recommended for particular landscape effect or those recommended by the customer, properly considering depth, size, placement, and spacing
• Plants, transplants, trims, and cultivates shrubs/trees and plants
• Plants new and established lawns using recommended seed mixture and fertilizer
• Lays sod and or applies grass seed where needed
• Waters all areas as required by weather and plant type
• Sprays trees and shrubs applying supplemental liquid and dry nutrients
• Applies fertilizer to turf grass and plantings
• Mows and trims lawns using hand or power mowers and equipment
• Edges beds or establishes new bed edges
• Cleans grounds, pulls weeds, blows leaves, and clears debris
• Applies mulch appropriately for material type
• Labels all equipment and chemicals properly
• Transports all pesticide and herbicide properly
• Cleans up pesticide and herbicide spills in accordance with regulations
• Disposes of all pesticide and herbicide properly
• Ensures areas are secure before applying pesticides and herbicides
• Applies pesticides and herbicides properly to prevent toxic exposure to personnel, wildlife, and plants
• Secures all pesticides, herbicides, equipment, and buildings at all times
• Maintains accurate pesticides/herbicides inventories and assists in updating SDS book
• Controls shop keys
• Loads and unloads equipment from trucks/trailers
• Washes equipment and trucks; performs routine truck maintenance, changing blades and oil, cleaning air filters, and greasing machines
• Helps crew leader with driving and snow removal
• Must be available nights, weekends, and holidays for snow removal
• Complies with all Agency policies and procedures and follows contract specifications
• Complies with safety procedures and uses and cares for equipment properly
• Completes assignments without assistance
• Complies with uniform dress code and personal hygiene standards
• Passes and complies with all building and security requirements and procedures
• Wears ID badge(s) at all times while performing work under this Contract

Secondary Functions:

• Takes periodic inventories
• Orders supplies and equipment with supervisor’s approval
• Keeps records and provides requested reports
• Performs other duties and tasks as needed

*Duties, responsibilities, and tasks may change at any time with or without notice

Physical Abilities Needed to Meet Work Demands:

• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, up to 10 miles per day
• Ability to go up and down stairs and hills
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces
• Ability to reach above the head, bend, kneel, stoop, or squat for extended periods of time up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to safely perform heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 80 lbs.
• Ability to lift and carry branches, limbs, and grasses
• Ability to work in dirty areas or adverse weather conditions
• Ability to see details on the ground, above the head, or on surfaces
• Ability to use a hand saw
• Ability to tolerate loud noises and to use ear plugs as required

Job Competencies Needed for Success on the Job:

• Ability to work with limited direct supervision
• Ability to follow directions and focus on tasks
• Ability to report problems or relate information
• Ability to understand and comply with safety procedures and environmental requirements
• Ability to use and care for equipment and cleaning supplies properly
• Ability to used power tools and gasoline powered tools
• Ability to notice and report changes in work space conditions
• Ability to notify supervisor when equipment or supplies are needed to perform task
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner with numerous interruptions
• Ability to attend work regularly according to assigned schedule and company policies
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as required
• Ability to attend and participate in training and work related meetings
• Ability to deal with others in a positive, enthusiastic, respectful, and courteous manner
• Ability to comply with all building, security, and company policies and procedures

Other requirements:

• Valid driver’s license from state of residence and ability to drive
• License must have been valid for at least 3 years
• Acceptable driving record as determined by Agency’s insurance carrier and by Chimes DC policies and procedures
• Must be able to operate various lawn care machinery
• Must be available to work a varying schedule up to 12 hours per day
• Must be available nights, weekends, and holidays for snow removal
• Candidates with disabilities preferred

Essential Personnel:

This position is designated as essential. This means that when the facility is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in this position may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations at the facility.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Landscaping training desired
• PA Certification in Core-Pesticide and Herbicide and Ornamental Trees/Shrubs

Experience:

• One (1) year of landscaping experience preferred