The groundskeepers of Salt Lake Community College are gearing up for the summer.
Joel Evans, grounds manager at Taylorsville Redwood Campus, says the key preparation for the busiest season of grounds service is filling positions to maintain the picturesque landscaping of SLCC’s campuses. The team that maintains the grass and plants, selects the flowers, and maintains the grounds is looking to hire.
The first step to maintaining a beautiful campus is charging the irrigation system.
“It’s a big job,” Evans says. “On a 120-acre site, with a mainline more than 12 inches in diameter, it’s a big push for the irrigation guys. Staying on top of general mowing, pruning, aeration, and fertilization is a big part of our jobs in the spring as we go into the summer.”
Oftentimes, well-kept grounds may be enjoyed, but not altogether appreciated for all the work that goes into them throughout the year. Students and faculty walk on the grass and sit near the flowers, which go largely unnoticed.
“It is definitely the frustration of some of the guys, everyone notices when something is wrong, but not always when things are the way they’re supposed to look,” Evans says.
Campuses would look much different without the grounds crew to water the lawns and plant the trees. An absence of flowers would be dull and unsettling. As spring semester ends and the summer months draw near, Evans hopes that more students and faculty will take the time to appreciate the opportunity to work and walk outside in a pleasing environment.
“It goes a long way when someone stops by to say everything looks great. It goes a long way with my guys when people notice the effort that we put into our work,” he says.
Evans says the Grounds Department will hire SLCC students as groundskeepers, no experience necessary.
“Even those without a background in landscaping or maintenance are welcome to join our team of truly great people,” he says.
The Grounds Department has provided a list of plants and flowers for those curious about the landscaping at Taylorsville Redwood Campus. Anyone interested in applying for a groundskeeper position can visit the SLCC jobs portal for more information.
