Grounds Maintainer II - Public Works Department

Position Type:

Service Workers

Date Posted:

3/10/2026

Location:

Public Works

Date Available:

TBD

Closing Date:

03/24/2026

The Town of West Hartford

Announces an Internal Promotional Examination

For the Position of

Grounds Maintainer II- Public Works Department

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

ONLY CURRENT TOWN OF WEST HARTFORD EMPLOYEES ARE ELGIBLE TO APPLY

Application Deadline: Salary Range:

March 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST $31.34-37.72/hour

Job Purpose:

The Grounds Maintainer II performs skilled and advanced grounds maintenance work involving the operation of specialized equipment, athletic field care, forestry tasks, and infrastructure maintenance. This position requires greater technical expertise, independent judgment, and responsibility for completing complex assignments. The Grounds Maintainer II may provide task-level guidance to Grounds Maintainer I staff but is not a crew leader position or supervisory position.

Work Environment:

Work involves exposure to moderate to significant risks requiring safety precautions and extensive muscular exercise. Duties include strenuous physical labor such as lifting 50+ pounds in repetitive fashion, operating heavy equipment for extended periods, repetitive bending, digging, and working in dirt, noise, and fumes. Work outdoors for prolonged periods, exposed to varying weather conditions and/or temperature extremes. Employees may be required to work extended hours, weekends, or respond to emergency conditions, including public safety or storm operations.

Essential Job Functions:

Includes all duties of Grounds Maintainer I, plus elevated responsibilities, as described below

Skilled Grounds & Turf Maintenance

Performs maintenance of athletic fields, landscaped areas, parks, irrigation systems, and municipal grounds requiring a higher level of turf and horticultural knowledge.

Applies fertilizers, seed, topdressing, soil amendments, and turf repair treatments according to best practices or established protocols.

Conducts tree and shrub care including pruning, corrective trimming, and hazard assessment under the direction of forestry personnel.

Performs irrigation diagnostics, troubleshooting, and component repairs (valves, heads, lines) with limited supervision.

Operation of Specialized Equipment

Operates a wide range of heavy and specialized equipment including, but not limited to:

Large-area mowers

Skid steer loaders

Tractors with attachments

Aerators, dethatchers, overseeders, sweepers

Infield groomers and landscape equipment

Performs advanced snow and ice operations, including plowing, sidewalk machine operation, and material spreading, including liquids.

Infrastructure & Facility Maintenance

Performs skilled work in fencing repair, drainage improvements, forestry assistance, and facility maintenance tasks.

Assists with inspections of parks, fields, irrigation systems, playground equipment, and grounds infrastructure; identifies hazards and reports or resolves issues within scope.

Task Leadership & Work Coordination

Serves as a field resource for Grounds Maintainer I staff, demonstrating proper techniques, safe equipment operation, and quality work standards.

Leads small assignments or project tasks as directed, ensuring efficiency and safe work practices (not a supervisory role).

Provides input on work methods, materials, equipment needs, and task planning.

Equipment Care & Maintenance

Performs routine maintenance, adjustments, and minor repairs on grounds equipment.

Troubleshoots mechanical issues and reports needs for repairs.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

Supports litter control, refuse collection, playground maintenance, and open space management.

May perform general forestry and tree trimming duties and operate an aerial bucket truck when certified and assigned.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Elevated knowledge of grounds maintenance principles, turf care, horticulture, and athletic field standards.

Strong ability to operate heavy and specialized grounds equipment safely and efficiently.

Working knowledge of traffic laws, Department ordinances and regulations, and work zone safety.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary to operating Department equipment.

Ability to diagnose and solve routine irrigation, equipment, and grounds maintenance issues.

Ability to meet the public in a pleasant and courteous manner.

Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and complete complex assignments with minimal supervision.

Ability to provide guidance and support to less experienced staff.

Physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor work under a variety of weather and environmental conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Five (5) years of experience in grounds, turf, parks, or municipal maintenance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid driver's license and ability to maintain a driving record in accordance with Town of West Hartford Driving Policy.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B required

State of Connecticut DEEP Commercial Pesticide Operator's License required

Experience operating specialized turf and grounds equipment required.

Method of Selection

Weight Passing Score

Oral Board Examination 100% 70

The Town reserves the right to limit the number of applicants invited to any phase of the selection process.

Drug Testing:

Candidates shall be required to submit to a drug test as part of the pre-employment medical examination. Applicants must also complete the Drug Testing Supplement to the Employment Application. Failure to do so will automatically disqualify your application for the position. An individual appointed to the position is required to participate in a drug and alcohol-testing program as required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), including random testing.

Any offer of employment is conditional based upon successful completion of a physical examination and an authorized Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated drug and alcohol record check.

An individual appointed to the position must satisfactorily complete a one (1) year probationary period.

Application Process

Applications may be accessed from the Town's website at under "job openings." Applications must be completed by the application deadline, unless the Director of Human Resources extends such date.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of the Town of West Hartford that discrimination in any way on the basis race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity/expression, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, military/veteran status, political belief, criminal record, disability or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements and any exceptions under applicable state or federal law toward employees is strictly prohibited and will be not be tolerated.

The above description is intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemization of all facets of any job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The Town of West Hartford provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at or email Alan Horner.

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance.

AH 3/10/2026