Lead Groundsman - AIDB-North

Candidates who are blind or visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as permitted by federal laws. Information related to disability is not required, and if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

POSITION: Lead Grounds Worker

Physical Plant Department

LOCATION: Decatur

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on role responsible for overseeing maintenance operations and specialized projects at the AIDB North campus. You will manage daily workflow by prioritizing and executing work orders. Additionally, you will drive operational excellence by developing and implementing after-hours on-call procedures to guarantee reliable, round-the-clock facility support.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

You will play a vital role to ensure that AIDB’s campuses are kept to a presentable standard. In this hands-on role, you will play a vital part in ensuring that the AIDB North campus is maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and presentation. Thriving in a self-driven environment, you will bridge the gap between strategy and execution—collaborating seamlessly with administrators, managing daily work orders, and supervising external contractors as needed to keep operations running smoothly.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• ● High School diploma or equivalent.
• ● Three (3) years accumulative position related experience
• ● Valid Driver License & Ability to be insured by carrier
• ● Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Leadership, Operations & Safety Management

• Daily Work Orders & Professional Care: Prioritize, assign, perform, and assist in closing daily work orders. Ensure all tasks, building repairs, and campus grounds maintenance are handled in an exemplary, professional manner.
• On-Call & Safety Oversight: Develop, implement, and supervise after-hours on-call procedures. Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive Safety Program, including leading periodic safety meetings for all staff.
• Compliance, Audits & Inspections: Collect and manage health and safety data regarding all AIDB buildings, grounds, utility systems, and hardscapes. Act as the primary point of contact for EPA audit inquiries/inspections, State of Alabama Risk Management inspections, and environmental inspections by local or state authorities.

Grounds Management & Landscaping

• Landscape Design & Estimation: Design and implement institutional landscape layouts. Apply a strong baseline knowledge of industry standards regarding manpower production, equipment capabilities, and output expectations for an institutional grounds crew.
• Equipment Operation: Skilled in the safe operation of both light-duty equipment (weed-eaters, mowers, light tractors) and heavy-duty landscape equipment (bush hogs, backhoes, skid-steer loaders). Responsible for b asic troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment.
• Grounds Upkeep: Perform and oversee routine campus beautification tasks, including weeding, mowing, raking, hoeing, pruning, and mulching.

Hazardous Materials

• Chemical & Hazard Remediation: Apply advanced understanding of health & safety guidelines regarding hazardous materials. Understand remediation programs and safely work around hazardous materials, including fumes, airborne particles, and toxic/nontoxic chemicals (such as fertilizers and grounds-keeping chemicals).

Job Requirements & Skills

• Grounds Maintenance Expertise: Skilled with general knowledge in all areas of grounds maintenance, chemical applications, and institutional landscaping.
• Execution: Ability to independently understand, follow, and implement complex written and oral instructions, laws, codes, and regulations.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient computer skills, specifically within the Microsoft Office & Google Workspace.
• Physical Capability: Physically able to perform all assigned maintenance, heavy equipment operation, and supervisory duties.

Licensures & Certifications

• Driver's License: Maintain a valid Driver License; must be insurable by the AIDB carrier.
• EPA Universal Certification: Must possess a Universal EPA certification (40CFR, part 82, subpart F) or obtain it within six (6) months of employment.
• Asbestos Accreditation: Must possess or obtain Safe State Accreditation for Managing Asbestos in Schools and Buildings (Course 1) within nine (9) months of employment.
• Sign Language Proficiency: Must obtain a SURVIVAL sign language proficiency level according to the AIDB evaluation system within thirty-six (36) months of employment.

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

For eligible employees, the following benefits are available

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Available

Alabama State TRS Retirement

Deferred Compensation Options Available

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

• SALARY : Scale C5-50 $24.81 - $29.88
• 260 days
• Direct deposit is required.