Grounds Maintenance Intern

This internship seeks to provide an enriching experience for those currently enrolled in a landscape management, turf grass management, agriculture, or other related program with an accredited college or university. 

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of skilled and limited skill manual labor in the maintenance of all Town property including all grounds, right-of-ways, gateways, athletic fields, and parks; performs related work as required. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations.

Primary Tasks:

• Inspects all playground equipment, play areas and athletic fields on a daily basis.
  • Reports all unsafe conditions to the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor.
  • Records all inspections completed in the Playground Maintenance Log.
  • Corrects all unsafe conditions.
• Maintains the general aesthetic appearance of Town properties on a weekly basis.
  • Cleans water fountains.
  • Empties small trash receptacles into larger ones to be picked up by waste industries.
  • Blows off sidewalks and parking lots with a leaf blower.
• Maintains shrubbery and flowerbeds by trimming and mulching monthly the growing season and on an as-needed basis during the non-growing season.
• Mows right-of-ways, athletic fields and other Town property with a tractor and mower.
• Drags and lines athletic fields before practices and games on a daily basis.
• Maintains records for the athletic fields on an as needed basis.
  • Inspects athletic fields for unsafe or damaged conditions.
  • Fixes any minor unsafe conditions or damages to the athletic field.
  • Reports and coordinates all major/expensive maintenance to Wake County to be fixed.
• Responsible for mowing, seeding, planting, pruning, trimming, edging, spraying and fertilizing grass, trees, shrubbery, and flowers on Town properties.
• Rakes and removes leaves and fallen limbs on Town properties.
• Conducts routine maintenance of equipment based on the hourly usage of the equipment.
  • Sharpens mower blades with blade sharpener.
  • Changes oil.
  • Changes tires.
  • Performs minor repairs.
  • Takes major repairs to the original dealer or repair shop.
  • Retains a maintenance log on all repaired equipment.
• Applies lime, fertilizer and chemicals as needed to maintain flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, and turf areas.
• Complies and follows all local, state, and federal safety standards.
• Inspects delivery of supplies to ensure quantity and condition are acceptable.
• Assists other departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Equipment Operated: Utility vehicle, tractors, mowers, blowers, weed eater, line marking machine, various hand tools, field rake, real mower, and other related equipment as necessary to perform a variety of tasks.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor.

Working Conditions:

• Employees are subjected to hazards present in maintenance functions including both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as chemicals, loud noise, vibrations, and traffic.
• Must be able to physically perform all basic life operational functions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate machinery and in the normal tasks associated with mechanical or skilled trades.

Job Context: This position works a schedule determined by the Public Works Director.  This position is classified as limited service and will work less than 1,000 hours per year.  The stress level of this job is low.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program.  Currently enrolled in a landscape management, turf grass management, agriculture, or other related program with an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in area of assigned responsibility.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
• Skill in the use of assigned tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make minor repairs to the tools and equipment assigned.
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

The Town of Knightdale is an equal opportunity employer.