Groundskeeper III

The purpose of this job is to act as a lead worker over city cemetery activities, including the proper implementation of whole body and cremation interments; installation of markers, marker foundations, and monument foundations; scheduling customer service appointments for grave sales and providing assistance in locating graves; and coordinating grave maintenance activities. In addition to these duties, the Groundskeeper III should also be able to maintain turf in parks and other areas by applying fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. Repairs damaged areas by ordering and laying sod. Operates and maintains irrigation systems; sets timers for irrigation systems; checks for leaks, changes and adjusts sprinkler heads; makes minor repairs to irrigation systems. 

• Supervises the work of seasonal maintenance employees; participates in and delegates work assignments
• Maintains, cemeteries and other grounds by cutting grass, watering, fertilizing, checking for disease and insect damage; trims trees and shrubs; maintains flower beds; applies herbicides as directed 
• Operates water spigot system; regulates valves, checks for leaks, adjusts pressure hands; waters as needed; researches and orders parts 
• Digs and fills graves; sets up and takes down tents chairs and other equipment for burial services 
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and facilities fixtures and infrastructure 
• Picks up trash and debris 
• Operates a variety of standard power tools and equipment in grounds maintenance and repair activities on a regular basis 
• Enforces cemetery rules, as needed; answers inquiries from the public 
• Paints and makes repairs to playground equipment; prepares athletic fields, courts and trails; repairs and paints picnic tables, park buildings, fences, rails and the like; performs custodial duties in park facilities 
• Cleans, paints and disinfects swimming pools 
• Makes cost estimates for grounds improvements; provides advice on the purchase of landscaping and maintenance materials 
• Maintains records; sells plots; collects fees 
• Performs related work as required 

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma

• Five (5) years of experience in grounds keeping activities, including the use of pesticides

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Trainings

At time of hire: 

• Class “A” Commercial driver’s license (CDL) with air brake endorsement
• Backhoe trained

Within six (6) months of hire:

• Tractor/mower trained
• Bobcat trained
• Forklift trained 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Pesticide Applicator Certification in Category, 3A, 3B, and 6

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at (616) 456-4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules