Job Description
We strongly believe that diversity of experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will consistently lead to a better school system and better results for all students. We are working hard to increase the diversity of our team wherever we can and we actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of it.
POSITION TITLE: Grounds Foreman
WORK YEAR: 260 days (12-month position) Mon�Fri, 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM (overtime as needed)
SUPERVISES: District Grounds Maintenance Staff
LOCATION: Districtwide
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations, Facilities Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Facilities Coordinator
RATE OF PAY: $72,000-76,000
JOB SUMMARY
The Grounds Foreman serves as a working lead responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising all district grounds maintenance operations. This role ensures that school campuses and athletic facilities remain safe, functional, and well-maintained year-round, requiring a high degree of technical skill in turf science, equipment operation, and state safety regulations to oversee the compliance of all outdoor assets.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the upkeep of district grounds and landscapes, including parking lots, signage, fencing, and "curb appeal" areas near main entrances
- Assist with hiring, training, and evaluating grounds maintenance staff, including seasonal summer workers
- Supervise, schedule, and assign daily work tasks; ensure timely completion
- Ensure the team follows safety protocols and training, including proper PPE usage, OSHA compliance and chemical storage
- Lead the team in snow plowing, sidewalk clearing, and salting/sanding operations during winter months, often requiring emergency "on-call" coordination
- Provide technical expertise in turf management, landscaping, and athletic field care
- Implement and document fertilization, aeration, and weed control programs, ensuring compliance with the MN Parents' Right-to-Know Act and district policies.
- Manage the operation, scheduling, and winterization of irrigation systems to conserve water while maintaining field safety and playability.
- Collaborate on site-specific projects like native prairie restoration or "no-mow" zone transitions
- Communicate and respond to Athletic Director and coach athletic field and equipment needs
- Monitor maintenance budgets, track expenses and submit invoices and credit card reports on schedule
- Establish, manage and track the preventative maintenance (PM) and repair schedules for all grounds equipment (tractors, mowers, blowers, and plow trucks).
- Develop specifications for purchasing new equipment
- Operate equipment as needed to support department goals
- Perform playground inspections and submit required documentation
- Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school Diploma or GED
- Valid Minnesota Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement (must be maintained)
- MN Department of Labor Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
- Clean Minnesota driving record (verification required)
- Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial grounds maintenance, including snow removal
- Working knowledge of turf management, soils, fertilizers, and pesticides
- Experience with athletic field maintenance and setup
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector)
- Experience in athletic field layout and preparation
- Relevant post-secondary education (may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis)
It is the policy, practice, and commitment of District 197 to provide equal employment opportunities for all people without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Please contact human resources if you need financial assistance for your pre-employment screening.