Groundskeeper II

As a Groundskeeper II at Oakland County, your primary responsibilities include landscaping and maintaining various county grounds and parking areas. This involves mowing lawns, fertilizing, planting, and transplanting flowers, trees, and shrubs. You'll also be tasked with maintaining the health of plants through watering, pruning, and applying necessary pest control measures. Additionally, you may be required to operate groundskeeping equipment and heavy trucks, as well as perform snow removal duties on an on-call basis.

To qualify for the Groundskeeper II position in Waterford, applicants must be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. certification. You should have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in groundskeeping, encompassing turf care and landscaping duties. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is necessary, and if you're expected to drive larger vehicles, you must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within six months of employment. Also, possession of a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's Certification is required.

The pay range for a Groundskeeper II position at Oakland County is from $41,880 to $54,554 per year. This competitive salary reflects the value we place on experienced and skilled individuals who contribute to maintaining our beautiful communal spaces. Additional benefits enhance the overall compensation package and support the well-being of our full-time employees.

Yes, prior experience in groundskeeping is essential for the Groundskeeper II role at Oakland County. Applicants need to have at least two years of full-time work experience specifically in areas such as turf care, planting, pruning, and applying chemicals to maintain plant health. This ensures that candidates are well-versed in the responsibilities and tasks necessary to excel in this position.

A Groundskeeper II at Oakland County uses a variety of equipment as part of their daily responsibilities. This includes power groundskeeping equipment, landscape construction tools, as well as snow removal equipment during winter months. Additionally, heavy trucks are used for transporting materials and maintaining grounds, so familiarity with operating such machinery is critical in this position.

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your past roles, detailing the types of projects you’ve worked on and the skills you used. Highlight your hands-on experience in mowing, planting, and pesticide application, and mention any relevant certifications. This shows the interviewer your competence and passion for the work.

Discuss your approach to plant health, including watering schedules, fertilization techniques, and pest management strategies. You can also mention tools or equipment you're familiar with for monitoring plant conditions, such as moisture meters or pH testers. This demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to maintaining a vibrant landscape.

Emphasize the importance of following safety protocols, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and conducting regular maintenance checks on equipment. Discuss any relevant safety training you've received to highlight your preparedness to work safely in various environments.

Detail your readiness to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. Describe your experience with snow removal tasks and teamwork during such events. Explain how you would communicate with your team and manage resources to ensure safety and maintain accessibility.

Address your ability to thrive in both scenarios by providing examples. Share experiences of when you successfully managed tasks independently while also valuing teamwork, referencing collaborative projects you’ve engaged in to complete landscaping assignments effectively.

Talk about any continuing education you've pursued related to groundskeeping, such as workshops or certifications, and your willingness to learn from peers. This shows your commitment to personal growth and dedication to best practices in landscaping.

Explain your organizational skills and methods for assessing tasks based on urgency and importance. You could mention using a task list or scheduling specific times for certain jobs, ensuring that key responsibilities, such as emergency assignments, are handled effectively.

Bring attention to your experience and the certifications you possess for pesticide application. Discuss the safety measures you adhere to while applying chemicals, such as reading labels and following guidelines to minimize risks to yourself and the environment.

Choose a meaningful project that highlights your skills and problem-solving abilities. Describe the challenges you faced and the solutions you implemented to overcome them, emphasizing your commitment to quality work and attention to detail.

This is your opportunity to express your passion for groundskeeping and your alignment with Oakland County's values. Share your enthusiasm for working in a community-focused organization and how your skills can contribute to enhancing the area's natural beauty.