Groundskeeper III

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Groundskeeper III 
Job Title: Groundskeeper III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: TX Ctr for Infectious Disease 
Posting Number: 12026 
Closing Date: 02/13/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-12 
Salary Range: $3,333.00 - $4,149.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location: Texas Center for Infectious Disease 
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO 
Job Location Address: 2303 SE MILITARY DR 
Other Locations: San Antonio 
MOS Codes: 8000 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Groundskeeper III – Texas Center for Infectious Disease Hospital is more than just a place of healing; it is a sanctuary for our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff. We believe that a serene, safe, and beautifully maintained environment plays a crucial role in the healing process and overall well-being. We are seeking a skilled and passionate Groundskeeper IV to join our team and help us maintain our campus to the highest standards. Performs highly complex (senior-level/team leader) grounds and building maintenance work.  Oversees and performs groundskeeping work, such as mowing and trimming grass, fertilizing, watering, removing and planting trees and shrubs.  The removal of dirt, rubbish and litter from grounds and/or performs repair and preventive maintenance work on parking lots, roads, patios and sidewalks.  Maintains sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, patios and grounds features.  Operates powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, Skid-loader, backhoe, chainsaws, sod cutters, and pruning shears.  Services, repairs, and conducts preventative maintenance on groundskeeping equipment hospital scooters.

The Groundskeeper III will train, supervise, and work side by side with patient workers through the facility patient worker programs. This position will be accountable for all performances of the groundskeeping department by the Facility Maintenance Manager.  This leader will report to the Facility Maintenance daily to establish the day’s workload or CAFM Work-order requests.  Grounds will assist with the campus events/activities and deadlines.  Other tasks may be assigned as needed.  Must perform all duties in a safe and congenial manner.  Completion of work requires use of established methods and/or techniques and decisions are simple and based on well-defined guidelines. Work schedule is from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm with a one-hour lunch period.

The Groundskeeper III has financial responsibility and is accountable for assigned property.  May supervise the work of others.  Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Other duties assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Softscape Maintenance (40%):

1. 1. Plant, cultivate, prune, fertilize, and water flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns.
   2. Will use, backhoe tractor equipment, boom lifts, shredders, and heavy machinery as required for care of property.
   3. Perform seasonal landscaping duties, including leaf removal, spring planting, fertilizing, and winter preparation.
   4. Operate and conduct softscape equipment inspections, maintenance, and evaluation for repair and or replacements on mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, and sprayers.
   5. Empties outside/inside trash cans located throughout hospital grounds; maintains parking lots and grounds for trash, cigarette butts and debris; waters landscape
   6. Maintain irrigation systems, including adjusting sprinkler heads and checking for leaks.
   7. Keeps an inventory or groundskeeping tools, supplies, and equipment, ensures all equipment is accounted for and well maintained.
   8. Paint curbs and strip parking lots; digging/trenching ditches, filling ruts and potholes. Drive State truck and haul materials, supplies, and dirt. Assists technicians with hospital office moves.
   9. Reviews work orders, in progress and completion status. 

Hardscape Maintenance (35%):

1. 1. Inspect, clean, and maintain walkways, parking lots, patios, curbs, and signage to ensure they are safe, clean, and free of debris, snow, and ice.
   2. Perform minor repairs to hardscape features such as patios, benches, fences, and retaining walls.
   3. Apply de-icing materials during winter weather conditions and assist with snow removal operations.
   4. Power wash sidewalks, building exteriors, and other surfaces as needed.
   5. Ensure all outdoor lighting fixtures and bollards are clean and report any outages.

The Groundskeeper III will train, supervise, and work side by side with patients through the facility worker program. 20%

Other duties assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 5%  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

1. 1. Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in landscaping, with demonstrated expertise in both softscape and hardscape maintenance.
   2. Horticulture knowledge: understanding of regional plant life, gardening practices, and seasonal lawn care, fertilizing, and weeding.
   3. Planting and care of trees, shrubbery, flower and grass; of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, and of hand and power tools and equipment.
   4. Mechanical aptitude: proficiency in operating standard landscaping equipment (lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems) and power tools.
   5. Physical stamina: ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions (lifting 50+ lbs, bending, kneeling, standing for long periods).
   6. Cleaning and repair skills: ability to clean and perform repairs on various grounds features and equipment. 
   7. Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

Skills in: the use of groundskeeping hand tools and equipment, in the operation of motorized and gas-operated equipment, and in the maintenance and repair of sidewalks and parking lots.

Ability to: maintain and care for hand and power tools and equipment, to detect diseases in plants and grasses, and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after the hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. An eligible driving record is required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

1.     Experience working in healthcare, campus, or other institutional setting.

2.     Experience with automated irrigation systems and their maintenance.

3.     Basic carpentry or masonry skills for hardscape repairs.

Additional Information:

Selected candidates must be able to meet the following:

• • Bend, kneel, squat, sit, stretch, stand lift to 50lbs; to work in hot and/cold conditions and walk for extended periods of time to include up to 75% of workday Physical requirements include occasional stooping, standing, crawling, and frequent sitting, walking, kneeling, and reaching.  Heavy physical force is required (exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds constantly to move objects).  Visual acuity required for computer operation and inventory management functions. 
  • Perform assigned duties while wearing the required respiratory protective equipment which will be fitted for employees.
  • Comply with a Tobacco Free Campus and all employment checks and testing.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form