Assistant Grounds Superintendent - City of McPherson

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                                                                                 

Under the direction of the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent, the Assistant Grounds Superintendent is a non-exempt position under FLSA. This position is responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled maintenance and improvement work at the municipal golf course. The Assistant Grounds Superintendent assists in overseeing all aspects of the maintenance and repair activities at the golf course including pesticides and fertilizer applications, inspection and maintenance of turf quality, equipment maintenance and supervision of course maintenance employees in the absence of the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent. The employee works with considerable independence and is responsible for decision making that requires technical discretion, sound judgment, and familiarity with City policies and golf industry standards for golf course maintenance. The employee should possess a strong mechanical aptitude as well as effective communication, organizational, technical, and supervisory skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains and repairs all buildings, grounds, and equipment at the golf course;
• Aids in project involvement for various course improvements, plans and studies;
• Issues oral instructions to seasonal and temporary maintenance employees upon the direction of the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent.
• Assigns duties and examines work for compliance to policies, rules, and regulations as well as procedures as directed by the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent.
• Shares in the responsibility for overall course maintenance
• Oversees, as directed by the Grounds Superintendent, and assists with grounds keeping duties of golf course fairways, rough, greens, tee area and open spaces including watering, mowing, and spraying of course turf;
• Fields questions, concerns, and complaints related to golf course maintenance;
• Assists Golf Course Grounds Superintendent with horticultural maintenance and operating procedures within limits of departmental policies and procedures;
• Monitors and assists in the installation and maintenance of course sprinkler system;
• Assists with scheduling and applying seed, fertilizer, top dressing, soil conditioner, watering as well as pest and weed control at the golf course;
• Supervises, evaluates, disciplines and instructs employees in the absence of the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent;
• Assists in maintenance and repair of golf cart fleet;
• Operates department equipment including mowers, carts, and tools;
• Applies fertilizers and pesticides to golf course as needed.

 MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists other departments as need arises;
• Troubleshoots, repairs and schedules maintenance of golf course facilities and equipment;
• Repairs or services water pumps, sprinkler heads and related equipment;
• Assists in training new grounds keeping employees;
• Repairs or services water pumps, sprinkler heads and related equipment;
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience: One to three years of similar or related experience

Education:  A high school diploma or GED. A technical or college degree in Turf Management is encouraged. This employee must possess a valid Kansas Driver’s License (K.D.L.) and have and maintain a good driving record. The ability to obtain a commercial applicators license with proper endorsement in a reasonable time frame after hiring is expected.

Technical Skills: The Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the described job well within 6 months of employment. The employee must have a thorough knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair of golf courses. The employee must have a thorough knowledge of turf management, plant and weed identification, mechanics and a working knowledge of mathematics. The employee must have the ability to operate equipment including mowers, utility trucks, sprayers, department vehicles, computers, tractors, chain saws, weed eaters, hand tools other types of departmental equipment. The employee must be capable of using hand tools and equipment required for job responsibilities.

Problem Solving: Independent problem solving is involved in this position. This employee must be capable of frequent problem solving encountered in various situations. Problems such as personnel matters, citizen concerns and attaining goals set by the governing body as well as issues related to functions of the golf course may be encounter daily.

Decision Making: Independent decision making is involved in this position. This employee must engage in constant decision-making involving personnel issues, prioritizing assignments and performing daily duties in a safe and efficient manner.

Supervision:  This employee works under the direction of the Golf Course Grounds Superintendent. This employee exercises occasional supervision over part-time/seasonal employees.

Financial Accountability: This employee must have an understanding of the budget authority and city policies as they pertain to the purchase of supplies and equipment. At the discretion of the Golf Course  Grounds Superintendent and the Director of Public Lands and Facilities, this employee does have the authority to purchase necessary department equipment and supplies.

Personal Relations:  Daily contact with the general public, co-workers, supervisory personnel is expected.

Working Conditions: Some adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, excessive noise, heavy machinery, heights, and adverse weather is expected. The job is performed primarily during the daytime hours but must be available for special situations and times.

Physical Requirements: Manual labor including lifting and carrying heavy objects, climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, extensive walking, and the ability to operate department equipment is required frequently in this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, drive, push, pull, see, hear, speak, crawl, use hands, climb, smell and other similar types of functions. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move more than 110 pounds and frequently lift 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

***The specific statements shown in this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.