Senior Grounds Worker and Supervisor of Grounds positions are working supervisors of a grounds staff performing manual tasks concerned with maintaining the appearance and condition of grounds, gardens, walkways and roads at a State facility.
The positions described in this standard are located in several agencies with the greatest number in the State University and in the Department of Mental Hygiene.
A Senior Grounds Worker is in charge of a grounds operation with less than ten grounds positions, or serves as the immediate assistant to a Supervisor of Grounds in an organization with fourteen or more grounds positions. Typically, a Senior supervises a minimum of six grounds positions.
As the top grounds position at a State facility with responsibility for all general grounds and road maintenance work, the duties of a Senior Grounds Worker and Supervisor of Grounds are quite similar. However, the responsibilities of the Supervisor of Grounds position are more extensive because of the incumbent's responsibility for a grounds program of greater size involving a larger staff.
Incumbents may supervise the tasks performed by wards of the State, provide practical instruction, and be responsible for the security of the tools and equipment used and the whereabouts of the individuals.
Senior Grounds Worker and Supervisor of Grounds positions perform the activities and tasks listed in the classification standard for Grounds Worker, Occ. Code 1001200.
In addition, the positions described in this standard supervise and schedule the day-to-day work of a grounds crew at a State facility.
As assigned:
Plans or assists in the planning of landscaping and other grounds projects by preparing rough sketches and schedules, and estimates of the manpower, materials and equipment needed to accomplish the project.
Initiates requests for supplies and materials needed for grounds projects.
The relationship between Senior Grounds Worker or a Supervisor of Grounds and the crew supervised is characterized by the giving of oral instructions, training, and assistance in the performance of certain tasks. Written and/or oral progress reports are prepared periodically for the supervisor for grounds work under way or completed.
Positions described in this standard supervise a staff by assigning work, giving instructions and assistance, and observing and inspecting the work to insure that plans are followed, that materials and equipment are used properly, and that schedules are met.
Senior Grounds Worker or Supervisor of Grounds positions are supervised by a higher level grounds, maintenance or administrative position who assigns projects, sets work priorities, and as necessary provides specific plans and instructions. Incumbents are expected to function with considerable independence in performing their day-to-day activities.
Incumbents use a variety of hand tools such as shovels, lawn mowers, clippers and rakes; power tools such as snow blowers, chain saws, salt spreaders and power mowers, and operate riding mowers, trucks and tractors.
As assigned:
Senior Grounds Worker:
Two years of satisfactory experience and/or training in grounds maintenance work.
Supervisor of Grounds:
Three years of experience and/or training in grounds maintenance of which one year involved supervision over subordinate employees.