Groundskeeper at Wayside Waifs Inc – Kansas City, Missouri

STARTING PAY: $17.50/Hour Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Facilities Team is responsible for providing preventative maintenance and repair to the Organization’s buildings, grounds, vehicles and equipment. Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, the Facilities Team is responsible for proactively and efficiently maintaining the physical plant of Wayside Waifs and the maintenance of the 50-acre campus, which includes the main animal shelter, Pet Memorial Services, the Canine Behavior Center, and Courtesy Comfort Station. The Facilities Team also assists the Pet Memorial Services department with tasks as needed.

Reporting to the Facilities Manager, the Groundskeeper, an essential staff member, is responsible for maintaining the appearance and condition of outdoor spaces. This includes tasks such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, trimming trees, and ensuring that all outdoor areas are kept clean and safe.

PRIMARY TASKS AND DUTIES

• Ensuring the grounds are clean and maintained:

1. Mow and edge lawns
2. Remove debris, litter, and fallen leaves
3. Ensure pathways and parking areas are clean and safe
4. Aerate, seed, and sod lawns as needed
5. Plant, water, and prune flowers, shrubs, and trees
6. Apply pet-safe herbicides to control weeds, pests, and diseases
7. Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems to ensure proper watering of plants

• Assisting the Pet Memorial Services department with tasks including, but not limited to:

1. Dig and prepare pet gravesites
2. Set headstones
3. Transport of clients’ deceased pets to Wayside
4. General upkeep of the cemetery

• Other responsibilities include:

1. Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers
2. Seasonal tasks such as clearing snow and ice from walkways and parking lots and managing seasonal planting and decoration
3. Perform minor repairs to structures, fences, and outdoor furniture
4. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment
5. Essential staff requires working holidays and in inclement weather

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a self-starter, demonstrate initiative, common-sense application, and problem-solving skills
• Can work under pressure at times and adapt to changing priorities
• Must possess a positive attitude and utilize good customer service and communication skills
• Must be flexible and available to work some evenings, weekends, or holidays if necessary
• Current driver's license and clean driving record required
• Must be dependable and punctual
• Comply with all Wayside Waifs policies

Physical /Environmental

• Knowledge of gardening techniques and plant care required
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks and necessary physical stamina is a must; must be able to lift 75 lbs. to waist height
• Significant amount of kneeling and standing during a typical day
• Able to work with exposure to outside weather conditions
• Ability to operate and maintain landscaping equipment is required
• Basic knowledge of pest and disease control methods needed
• Exposure to animals, animal smells, animal waste, and airborne particles

Education/Experience

• Previous experience in groundskeeping or related field required
• Training in horticulture or landscaping is a plus
• High School degree or GED equivalent

Perks of the job include beautifying the campus of an organization that has been helping save the lives of homeless dogs, cats and other small animals for 80 years!

All necessary tools and equipment to perform these functions are provided by Wayside Waifs. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Groundskeeper’s position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management may assign additional duties as needed.