St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County! 

Facilities Management provides comprehensive facilities services including property management and maintenance for all properties and buildings owned by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Building Operations Division is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Judicial/Administrative campus and satellite office, Tax Collector Annexes, Service and Permit Centers, and the Health & Human Services building. Building Operations also oversees the central mail processing and receiving for St Johns County government.

The newly selected Groundskeeper will maintain County-owned grounds and landscaping equipment primarily at the Judicial & Main Campus, as well as at other locations as needed.   

Success in this position contributes to a safe and well-maintained environment for employees and the general public.

The work consists of related maintenance duties common to the care of grounds and landscapes.  Inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the position.

The work schedule for this position is Tuesday thru Friday from 6am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch break.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs tasks common to the care of grounds and landscapes by seeding, watering, mulching, fertilizing, and applying chemicals to outside plantings, lawns and turf; inspecting plant materials for insects, disease, physical and mechanical damage and identifying replacements; transplanting, pruning, trimming, and cultivating trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers.

• Performs regular and directed grounds and landscape maintenance to include trimming and edging around trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, sidewalks and buildings; weeding, thinning and cleaning flower beds and other grounds by hand or utilizing proper tools and equipment; and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and servicing irrigation systems.

• Removes trash and debris from public areas by regularly inspecting grounds and building entrances for debris, raking, sweeping, blowing and bagging leaves, debris, dirt and trash from sidewalks, building exterior and parking lots.

• Ensures that grounds maintenance equipment is operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment and machines.

• Maintains chemical inventory and usage records.

• Maintains a full-time presence on the job.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent certification.

• Minimum one (1) year of full-time experience performing landscaping or grounds keeping work including operating commercial lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers, and blowers. 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.

• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills to serve others.

• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.

• Must be able to operate a computer.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques involved with landscape installation, repair, maintenance and the related tools and equipment.

• Knowledge of Florida botany, climate zones and growing seasons.

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

• Skill in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.

• Skill in the use of landscaping equipment, pesticides and other chemicals.

• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

• Skill in the use of assigned tools.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.

• Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.

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St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.