241197.Grounds Technician I – Clearwater, FL

Job Description

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) oversees the operation and maintenance of Tampa International Airport and its associated facilities, providing crucial services for air travel and commerce. As a key player in regional transportation infrastructure, HCAA is dedicated to maintaining a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment for travelers, employees, and tenants alike. HCAA is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse workforce, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds including minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. They also prioritize workplace safety, customer service excellence, and environmental stewardship across all departments.

The Grounds Technician I role at HCAA is an essential position primarily responsible for the manual and skilled maintenance of grounds throughout various airport locations, including airfields, parking areas, parks, and terminals. This full-time position offers a competitive hourly wage of $21.40 and requires expertise in a wide array of landscaping and groundskeeping skills relevant across all seasons. The Grounds Technician I is tasked with the care and improvement of airport grounds and plant life, including tasks such as mowing grass, planting and transplanting shrubs, fertilizing soils, trimming trees, and performing irrigation repairs. This role supports the visual appeal and operational safety of airport facilities while adhering to best management practices that emphasize environmental sustainability.

Employees in this position will operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including mowers, skid steers, pruning saws, and hedge trimmers. The role demands routine cleaning and maintenance of grounds equipment and vehicles to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Collaboration with team members and other trades is a key component of the work environment, allowing for efficient project completion and adherence to safety protocols. Grounds Technicians are also expected to demonstrate effective communication skills and adaptability, accommodating the dynamic nature of operations within an airport setting.

Safety is a fundamental aspect of the position. Grounds Technicians must consistently apply safety procedures and use appropriate equipment properly. Additionally, the role requires prioritization of tasks to meet operational deadlines and maintain an organized, clean worksite at all times. The HCAA provides opportunities for professional development through ongoing training, enabling employees to enhance their landscaping skills and expand their knowledge about environmentally responsible grounds maintenance practices.

This position also demands reliable attendance and a commitment to responding promptly in emergencies or disasters affecting airport operations. The Grounds Technician I must be prepared to serve the Authority and public with professionalism, courtesy, and dedication under various conditions. HCAA’s supportive workplace culture encourages growth, fosters responsibility, and ensures employees have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their roles, reinforcing Tampa International Airport’s reputation as a leading transportation hub.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• minimum three years’ grounds maintenance experience
• Green Industries Best Management Practices Certificate within six months of hire
• valid ability to operate medium to heavy motorized equipment
• reliable attendance and punctuality
• adherence to safety policies and emergency response requirements
• ability to perform physical labor outdoors in varying weather conditions
• ability to operate motor vehicles safely
• ability to work collaboratively with team members
• commitment to equal employment opportunity and workplace diversity