Grounds Specialist I: OIDD-Whitten

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking aGrounds Specialistwho is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to help us build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

Under general supervision of the Grounds Supervisor, this position provides the manual labor and operates the necessary equipment to perform Grounds Maintenance task/landscaping operations on a large campus.

• Mows/cut lawns/grassy areas using tractors and mowing equipment with manual transmissions and string trimmers for edging purposes in adverse weather conditions.
• Removes leaves on campus and streets with the use of tractor-mounted blower, motorized backpack blowers, hand rakes and street brooms in all types of weather conditions.
• Prunes and trims shrubs and trees on campus with the use of chain saws, gas powered hedge trimmers. Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend and stretch to reach shrubs and trees. Must be able to load heavy limbs and brush onto truck for removal.
• Plants grass, trees and shrubs with use of manual transmission tractors, standard hand tools, such as shovels, post hole diggers, requires lifting of heavy objects with own strength or lifting equipment.
• Removes snow and ice from streets, sidewalks and steps during inclement weather, using manual transmission tractors, trucks, chemical de-icers, shovels and standard hand tools. Requires lifting heavy loads, shoveling snow and ice during extreme weather conditions. Could require working long hours day and night.
• Maintains the equipment that employee operates by greasing and maintaining fluid levels, checking/replacing loose/broken belts, bolts, nuts, etc.
• Picks up limbs and trash on campus.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The position for this posting is located at Whitten Regional Center, an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) of BHDD-OIDD located in Clinton, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Experience in groundskeeping and maintenance work that is directly related to the area of employment. A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of how to properly carry out groundskeeping tasks. Knowledge of safety practices relevant to the area of employment. Skill in the use of gardening hand tools. Skill in the safe operation of power cleaning or gardening equipment. Ability to follow instructions. Ability to keep accurate written records. Ability to guide and train other employees.

Additional Comments

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resources for further information*.*

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education.A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices***
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)