Position Overview
The Grounds/Maintenance employee is responsible for the overall maintenance, appearance, safety, and operational readiness of all South Mississippi Fair Commission properties and facilities. This position performs routine groundskeeping, facility maintenance, equipment operation, repairs, and event support to ensure the fairgrounds are prepared for daily operations and special events throughout the year. Employees in this position work both independently and as part of a team to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors, vendors, exhibitors, and staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance
- Mow, trim, edge, and maintain lawns, landscaped areas, and green spaces.
- Plant, water, fertilize, prune, and maintain trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation.
- Remove weeds, brush, leaves, fallen limbs, litter, and debris from roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and event areas.
- Maintain drainage ditches, culverts, and stormwater systems to ensure proper water flow.
- Operate irrigation systems and perform seasonal landscaping projects.
Facility Maintenance
- Perform routine inspections of buildings, barns, livestock facilities, restrooms, arenas, exhibit halls, offices, and other Commission properties.
- Perform minor carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, welding, and mechanical repairs as assigned.
- Repair and maintain fences, gates, doors, windows, lighting, sidewalks, picnic tables, benches, and other facilities.
- Replace light bulbs, repair fixtures, unclog drains, and perform preventative maintenance.
- Assist contractors and maintenance vendors as needed.
Event Preparation and Operations
- Prepare fairgrounds for fairs, festivals, rodeos, concerts, livestock shows, sporting events, and facility rentals.
- Set up and remove tables, chairs, tents, bleachers, stages, fencing, barricades, pipe and drape, trash receptacles, and signage.
- Install directional signs, parking signs, banners, decorations, and event displays.
- Prepare livestock barns, exhibit buildings, arenas, and vendor spaces before events.
- Assist with event breakdown and restoration of facilities following events.
Equipment Operation
- Safely operate tractors, zero-turn mowers, skid steers, utility vehicles, forklifts (if certified), pressure washers, chainsaws, weed eaters, blowers, and other maintenance equipment.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform routine servicing.
- Maintain maintenance tools and equipment in safe operating condition.
- Report equipment malfunctions or repair needs promptly.
Safety and Security
- Conduct routine inspections to identify unsafe conditions and correct hazards whenever possible.
- Remove trip hazards, damaged materials, debris, and unsafe obstacles.
- Assist with emergency response during severe weather, accidents, power outages, or facility emergencies.
- Follow OSHA regulations and Commission safety procedures.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Vendor, Exhibitor, and Customer Support
- Assist vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, contractors, and event organizers with logistical needs.
- Help direct deliveries and equipment placement.
- Provide courteous assistance and directions to visitors when appropriate.
- Coordinate with supervisors regarding vendor requests and operational issues.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain the cleanliness and professional appearance of all Commission facilities.
- Participate in seasonal cleanup projects before and after major events.
- Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required during event operations.
- Assist other departments as needed to ensure successful Commission operations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Valid Mississippi driver's license with an acceptable driving record preferred.
- Experience in grounds maintenance, construction, landscaping, building maintenance, or related fields preferred.
- Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment or willingness to receive training.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of landscaping, groundskeeping, and facility maintenance practices.
- Basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical repairs.
- Ability to safely operate power tools, tractors, and maintenance equipment.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work outdoors for extended periods.
- Work in varying weather conditions including extreme heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
- Work around dust, noise, machinery, livestock, and large crowds.
- Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment and perform physically demanding work throughout an entire shift.
Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
