The University of Colorado Boulder is searching for a Lead Grounds and Nursery Worker! Outdoor Services provides high quality, professional grounds and landscape services to enhance a safe, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious campus. Facilities Management provides a physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge. This work unit provides turf, weed management, and grounds maintenance support to perform routine and emergency landscape-oriented tasks. This role will operate large heavy equipment including large dump/plow trucks, backhoe/front-loader, street sweeper, skid-steers and large mowers, and will also be responsible for snow removal duties. May serve as a work leader for temporary or student employees.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Turf Management Support Perform turf management practices to ensure turf meets Campus standards for appearance. Practices include mowing, edging along hardscape, leaf removal/recycling, string trimming of unmowable grass around plants and structures and hand removal of weeds from turf areas. Be the primary operator for our large 8’ deck mower and have an assigned mow route on main campus. May assist turf management personnel in other cultural practices. Street Sweeping and Grounds Yard Maintenance Perform daily maintenance procedures of monitoring and maintaining the trash and organics roll offs and associated areas. Monitor and maintain the organics and branch chipping yard at East Campus. Coordinate with Area Managers/Supervisors when roll offs need serviced. Schedule, perform and monitor street sweeping operations on a monthly basis or as needed. Operate New Holland Backhoe, Tennent Street Sweeper, and Bobcat Skid-steers. Irrigation and Grounds Support Support Irrigation Team operations by cleaning debris from ditches and headgates of CU Campus waterways to maintain proper flow for pond replenishment. Support Irrigation Team on irrigation system (pump stations, mainline, valves lateral piping and sprinkler heads) repairs as needed. Participate in irrigation system improvement projects as needed including backhoe/loader and dump truck support. May assist with maintenance of sidewalks, stair-ways, building entryways, loading docks, bus stops, ADA structures, fences, flag poles, retaining walls, bicycle paths and landscape structures (benches, memorials, trash and recycle receptacles, and public art works) to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing appearance for campus occupants and visitors. Monitor and take appropriate actions for the removal of any signage, graffiti, markings or transient camps on campus property in violation of University Policy. Snow Removal & Ice AbatementPerform snow removal and ice abatement on campus streets, loading docks, sidewalks, bike paths, stairways, ADA accessibility structures and building entrances and exits. Primary snow removal equipment operation will be in Bobcat Skid-steers, and backhoe/loader. May require hand shoveling, operation of power snow removal equipment, and the application of ice abatement. Snow removal activities may require early and late arrival times, extended shifts, or after-hours call-ins. As an essential services position, this role is expected to be available for regular, overtime and call-in/back hours as needed to perform snow and ice mitigation activities. Crew Member Responsibilities Function as a team member by coordinating daily activities with supervisor, team leader or coworkers to ensure overall campus appearance and safety consistency. Charge appropriate work orders and other documents in an accurate and timely manner. Follow all State Personnel Board Rules and Facilities Management and Outdoor Services Policies and Guidelines. Make requests or suggestions for purchases. Equipment Maintenance Accountable for the maintenance and inventory of all CU issued/owned tools and equipment. Equipment included are dump truck, backhoe/loader, skid-steers, fork truck, street/sidewalk sweepers, and large mowers. Other equipment may include diesel, gas, and electric power tools, high pressure power washers, pick-up trucks, utility vehicles. Perform the appropriate daily, weekly and monthly preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance activities such as inspections, checking oil, servicing grease fittings, sharpening/changing blades, and changing out brushes/parts/mechanized components required for any tool or equipment assigned. Ensure tools and equipment are kept clean, safe and in serviceable condition. Schedule PMs or repairs with Mechanics accordingly. SafetyBe a certified trainer for skid-steers and fork truck within the Grounds Department. Safely train and ensure safe operation of the skid-steer and fork truck with other Grounds employees. May also train and certify employees from different campus departments with the skid-steer and fork truck. Contribute to a safe working environment for self, staff, faculty and the general public. Adhere to all safety guidelines, especially those concerning the use of power tools, equipment and vehicles. Report unsafe conditions or accidents. Attend, conduct and participate in safety training. Strictly adhere to the appropriate safety protocol for use of chemicals and hazardous materials. Native Area/Wetland Management Conduct noxious weed management to manage unwanted weed species. May assist with mowing and general seasonal maintenance of native areas on main campus, east campus, and south campus. Operations include using tractors and brush mowers, string trimmers, and blade cutters. Assist with wildlife management at the Research Park wetlands area. Mitigation practices include the physical removal of beaver dams using backhoe/loader, skid-steers and dump truck.
- This in-person position will work five (5) eight-hour workdays per week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 6:00am and 5:00pm, based on staffing requirements of the department. Occasional weekend work may be required based on needs of department and/or essential services designation.
- This role is eligible for our Facilities Management Employee Referral Program.
