Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Salary

$33,410.00 - $43,790.00 Annually

Location

110 SE Watula Ave, 3rd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

71426

Department

Recreation & Parks

Opening Date

07/14/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This is manual and semi-skilled work in maintenance equipment operation. This includes, but is not limited to, operating various tractors with mowers, flatbed trucks, dump trucks, and a variety of construction equipment. Manual labor involved in general maintenance, construction, and labor activities.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for daily maintenance of athletic turf and infield clay to include softball fields, soccer fields, football fields, and multi-use fields. Operates equipment including chalk liners, line painters, drags, blowers, mowers, riding mowers, line trimmers, field sweepers, pressure washers and a variety of hand tools and hand power tools. Operates automotive equipment such as pickup trucks with trailer attachments, small dump trucks to haul dirt, gravel, etc. and as needed, small tractors with 3-point attachments and small backhoes.
• Prepares initial layout or set-up of athletic fields and maintains fields according to specifications of scheduled events, including football, baseball, softball, soccer, etc.
• Responsible for daily maintenance of 60-acre wetland park including grass, berms, pathways, parking lot and multi-use areas. Operates equipment including mowers, blowers, trimmers, pressure washers and a variety of hand tools and power tools. Operates automotive equipment including pickup trucks, utility vehicles and trailers.
• Makes Confined Space physical entry into wetland cells to safely remove unwanted invasive species. Uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and works as a team along with others to remove cattails, primrose willows and other plant species, as needed.
• Equipment and vehicle maintenance - Responsible for daily and weekly maintenance of equipment and vehicles as assigned. Washes vehicles and equipment. Performs general maintenance on equipment such as changing oil, blades and grease fittings. Stands, bends, stoops and stretches from waist and shoulders to perform maintenance of pickups, one-ton trucks and tanker truck and to maneuver implements into final hook-up position.
• Operation of tractors and vehicles - Operates various types of tractors with a variety of attachments, dump body trucks with or without various size trailers up to 21 feet in length and tanker trucks. Use of both hands and feet are necessary to simultaneously steer, shift gears, operate throttle and raise or lower various implements.
• Operation of power and hand tools - Operates chain saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, large tree spade, shovel, post hole digger, axe, etc. Using push mowers and riding mowers cuts grass, weeds, and shrubs. Requires frequent bending, twisting of upper torso, stretching and lifting.
• Performs manual labor - This may include loading and unloading equipment and supplies from trucks and trailers, picking up trash, trimming or removing trees, manually cutting grass and shrubs, caring for seed beds, mowing drainage retention areas on uneven slopes. Performs general maintenance of city streets and right-of-way, including using push broom to sweep debris from the streets. Loads and unloads materials using a shovel for prolonged periods. Performs litter control and other jobs for departments such as moving furniture and miscellaneous work. Sets up and operates storm pumps as needed.
• Performs Record Keeping - This may include completing vehicle and equipment maintenance cards, work records, and personal time sheets and any paperwork associated with the supervision of inmates. Customer Service - Communicates clearly and courteously in person, by phone and two-way radio with other City employees and the general public.
• Supervision: May supervise and train crews in the safe operation of equipment and proper procedures.
• Operational Requirements: Based upon operational requirements or situations where the number of available Equipment Operator Is exceeds the number needed to operate equipment or perform their regular duties, employees in this classification will be reassigned to work in whatever capacity or function those Divisions require. The length of such assignments will vary.
• Required to report to work if an emergency situation exists to protect, prevent, repair or minimize damage.
• Provides support for department special events before, during, and after the event in the areas and for functions relative to essential job duties and/or otherwise assigned.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.
• Twelve (12) months related experience or training.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Operators Drivers License with an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT

None.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises 0 subordinate supervisor(s) who supervise(s) a total of employee(s).

Supervises 0 non-supervisory employee(s).

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to read and understand documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to prepare and interpret bar graphs.

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Ability to utilize common sense understanding in order to carry out written, oral or diagrammed instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several known variables in situations of a routine nature.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under direction where a definite objective is set up and the employee plans and arranges own work, referring only unusual cases to supervisor.

PLANNING

Considerable responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and/or sequence of performance of own work, in addition, the work operations of a group of employees, all performing basically the same type of work.

DECISION MAKING

Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of minor importance and also frequent opportunity for decision-making of major importance, either of which would affect the work operations of medium organizational component and the organizations clientele.

MENTAL DEMAND

Very close mental demand. Operations requiring very close and continuous attention for control of operations which require a high degree of coordination or immediate response. Operations requiring intermittent direct thinking to determine or select the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organizations administration and operations; also to determine or select material and equipment where highly variable sequences are involved.

ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING

Directed. Supervisory and/or professional skills using structured practices or policies and directed as to execution and review. Interpolation of learned things in moderately varied situations where reasoning and decision-making are essential.

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Regular use of highly complex machines and equipment; specialized or advanced software programs.

ACCURACY

Probable errors of internal and external scope would have a moderate effect on the operational efficiency of the organizational component concerned. Errors might possibly go undetected for a considerable period of time, thereby creating an inaccurate picture of an existing situation. Could cause further errors, losses, or embarrassment to the organization. The possibility for error is always present due to requirements of the job.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Regular contacts with patrons, either within the office or in the field. May also involve occasional self-initiated contacts to patrons. Lack of tact and judgment may result in a limited type of problem for the organization.

EMPLOYEE CONTACT

Contacts of considerable importance within the department or office, such as those required in coordination of effort, or frequent contacts with other departments or offices, generally in normal course of performing duties. Requires tact in discussing problems and presenting data and making recommendations, but responsibility for action and decision reverts to others.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Not indicated.

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED

Not indicated.

ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE SKILLS

Not indicated.

OTHER SKILLS

Not indicated.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, taste or smell; frequently required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, risk of electrical shock; frequently exposed to extreme heat; and occasionally exposed to work in high, precarious places, wet or humid conditions, risk of radiation, vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees.

Health Insurance

We offer both single and family coverage, for employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Dental Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family dental coverage.

Vision Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family vision coverage.

Life Insurance

For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life.

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Offered to full time employees, STD and LTD coverages are income replacement benefits that assist policyholders who are unable to work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accidental injury.

Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars.

Pet Insurance

We also offer special pet insurance for your pets in the case of illness or accidents, as well as preventative care.

Employee Health & Wellness Center

The City of Ocala offers the use of the City Clinic for those employees, and covered dependents over the age of 8, which have elected one of our health insurance plans. Services offered by the City Clinic include primary care, chronic disease management, labs, x-rays, and wellness coaching.

Voluntary Cancer Insurance

For full time employees, the cancer insurance policy can help provide security if you, or a covered dependent, suddenly become diagnosed with cancer.

Supplemental Critical Care Insurance

Our full time employees have the option of electing critical care insurance that is available to help with medical expenses that could arise from things such as a heart attack or stroke.

Supplemental Accident Insurance

Also available to full time employees, is our Accident Coverage. This supplemental plan can be used to help with expenses like MRIs, physical therapy, and hospital admission.

Legal Plan Insurance

Full time employees can have access to local attorneys for a monthly fee and receive discounts on services such as legal consultation, wills, traffic violations and the purchase or sale of your home. The carrier also has a separate policy assisting with the matter of identity theft and social media monitoring.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is available to all full-time employees at the time of employment. This benefit allows the employee to defer income without paying taxes until money is withdrawn. Current plan is administered through MissionSquare.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit automatically deposits your net pay each pay period to your checking or savings account at your own financial institution. Direct deposit is a condition of employment for a person hired by the City.

Each pay period the employee receives an earnings statement showing gross pay, taxes, other deductions, accruals and net pay. Enrollment forms are available at Human Resources or Payroll.

Discounts - Theme Park

Discounts are available to all non-temporary employees at the time of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and members of your household as an employer paid benefit. The EAP offers emotional wellbeing support in the form as counseling sessions and all sessions are confidential. The EAP also provides daily life assistance, legal services, and financial services.

Holidays and Paid Time off

The City provides paid holidays and paid time off for full-time employees. Refer to the Employee Handbook for details.

Retirement Plan

All full-time employees hired after 10/01/2013, apart from Sworn Police Officers and Firefighters, are enrolled in the 401a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with MissionSquare. All contributions to the 401a Defined contribution plan are pre-tax and earnings grow tax-deferred. The City contributes 8% and employees contribute 3%. City contributions are 100% vested after one year of employment. You will be enrolled automatically and should take time to review your investment options at your earliest convenience.

Training Programs

The City is committed to provide training programs for all departments and all positions. Risk Management conducts classes in Defensive Driving, Safety, and Insurance. With rare exceptions, classes are offered during working hours, and are open to all eligible employees.

Tuition Reimbursement

All regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid State of Florida Operator Drivers License with an acceptable driving record OR If you possess a valid out of state license, do you have the ability to obtain a Florida Drivers License prior to employment?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the amount of related experience or training (as described in the job posting) you possess.

• None
• Less than 12 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7+ years

04

If you feel you qualify for this position due to an equivalent combination of training, education and experience, please explain below:

05

I understand that all information I provide regarding my background, education, certifications, licenses, and work history is subject to verification once an offer of employment has been extended and accepted. I further understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information, or the omission of relevant information, may be grounds for disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an employment offer, or dismissal from employment if discovered after I begin work.

• Yes
• No

06

I understand that, as a condition of employment with the City of Ocala, I will be required to review and electronically sign a Policy and Consent form related to the Lytx in-vehicle safety system. I understand that this consent includes acknowledgment of the collection and use of video, audio, location, and, where applicable, biometric data for safety, compliance, and operational purposes. I further understand that on my first day of employment, an email from noreply@lytx.com will be sent to my City of Ocala employee email address with instructions, and that the form must be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of my official start date.

• Yes
• No

07

Have you provided a complete employment and education history covering the past ten (10) years, or dating back to high school graduation, whichever period is shorter, within your NeoGov application and/or master profile? Please note: Resumes are welcome; however, they do not substitute for a completed application. Applications that do not include the required employment and education history, or that are otherwise incomplete, will be rejected and will not be considered for further review.

• Yes, I have provided a complete employment and education history and understand that incomplete applications will be rejected.
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Ocala

Address 110 SE Watula Ave

City Hall, 3rd Floor

Ocala, Florida, 34471

Phone 352-629-8359

Website https://www.ocalafl.gov/