Groundskeeper (2026-2027)

Job Title: Groundskeeper Wage/Hour Status: Non- ExemptReports to: Grounds Foreman or Maintenance DirectorPay Grade: AuxiliaryDept./School: Maintenance and OperationsInitiated Date: May 2025WHO WE ARELa Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.Customer ServiceTrust & TransparencyHigh-Quality InstructionExcellence in LeadershipIntegrity & AccountabilityWe are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Groundskeeper to help maintain the beauty, cleanliness, and functionality of our district's exterior environments. This individual plays a vital role in ensuring our schools, playgrounds, athletic fields, and common areas are safe, presentable, and aligned with the district's operational standards.WHY LA JOYA ISDYou will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.Primary Purpose:Maintain all outdoor grounds and landscaping at La Joya ISD campuses and facilities, including athletic fields, irrigation systems, and district green spaces, in a manner that promotes student safety, school pride, and community excellence.Minimum Required QualificationsEducation/Certification:High School Diploma or GED preferredValid Texas driver's license requiredExperience:Experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping preferredExperience working in a public school or similar setting is a plusSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructionsSkill in operating mowers, tractors, trimmers, blowers, and power-driven equipmentBasic understanding of landscaping, lawn care, and irrigation systemsAbility to work cooperatively with others and communicate effectivelyMAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIESGrounds Maintenance & Landscaping:Mow, trim, edge, weed, and maintain all district lawns, playgrounds, and green spacesMaintain flower beds, trees, shrubs, and decorative landscaping through watering, pruning, mulching, and fertilizingPlant and replace trees, flowers, and shrubs as directedRemove litter, leaves, and debris from district propertiesPrepare and maintain athletic fields for school events, including field lining, aeration, and drainageAssist with installing and maintaining irrigation and sprinkler systemsSafety & Equipment Maintenance:Operate all tools and equipment in accordance with safety proceduresInspect, clean, and perform routine maintenance on equipment and tools to ensure safe operationIdentify and report safety hazards and correct unsafe conditions promptlyFollow district protocols for use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizersAdditional Responsibilities:Transport tools, materials, and workers to assigned job sitesRespond to weather-related or emergency work (e.g., fallen trees, storm damage, freeze prep)Participate in department training and meetings as assignedPerform other related duties as assigned by the Grounds Foreman or Maintenance DirectorOther duties as assigned.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNonePersonal Work Relationships:All La Joya ISD employees are expected to:Uphold the mission and values of the districtDemonstrate professionalism and integrityWork respectfully and collaboratively with coworkers and campus personnelMaintain a service-first attitude and contribute positively to team culture Travel Requirements:Frequent district wide travel between campuses and facilities Physical & Environmental DemandsTools/Equipment Used:Hand tools, power tools, lawnmowers, weed trimmers, blowers, tractors, trucks, and other landscaping equipmentPosture & Motion:Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and liftingLifting:Occasional heavy lifting (45 lbs. or more)Environment:Work outdoors in all weather conditions; exposure to loud noise, dust, chemicals, and uneven surfacesMental Demands:Maintain emotional control under stress; work independently and manage changing prioritiesPOSITION WORKING DAYS240COMPENSATIONBased on the pay plan