Grounds and Labor

Byron Smith
Assistant Director

Byron.Smith@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-6022
Fax: 304-293-3887

Grounds and Labor Services embraces the maintenance of the campus grounds, the operation and repair of grounds equipment, maintenance of landscaping, and the preservation of the roads, parking lots, and sidewalks on University property.

In addition to cutting grass, trimming hedges, and pruning trees, Grounds and Labor Services maintains all mowers, trucks, and other mechanical and hydraulic equipment such as street sweepers, snow removal equipment, and large tractor gang mowers. This also includes assisting Academics in moving offices and furniture as needed. Labor Services are responsible for special set-ups that may be required.

Landscape Maintenance
Generally, the purpose of grounds maintenance is to provide services that maintain the exterior portion of the campus in an acceptable manner. This maintenance includes turf renovation and maintenance, planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The Grounds Department is responsible for performing this maintenance on the Evansdale, Downtown, and Medical Center Campuses including the maintenance of grounds around housing, PRT and the intramural fields. The personnel in this group have been trained to perform specific tasks such as pruning, fertilization, spraying of pesticides, sodding, seeding, and the operation of specialized mowing equipment. The pesticide applicators are required to be licensed by the State and to attend updated training in this area. The Grounds Department also maintains its own sod and plant nursery to minimize costs.

Landscape Construction
This area includes the repair and new construction of sidewalks, steps, and parking lots. The types of materials used in this process are asphalt, concrete, sealers and limestone. Each year all areas are inspected and then prioritized according to safety and accessibility. As existing or new paved areas are addressed, all ADA standards are taken into consideration. This crew also maintains drain systems, retaining walls, signs, brick and block structures as needed. Extensive training in the operation of specialized equipment and tools is needed to perform these tasks. Commercial Driver’s Licenses are required for the operation of larger trucks.

Landscape Design
This is a very important part of grounds maintenance. Many things have to be considered before the installation of new plantings or the replacement of old plant material. Before any material is selected, consideration must be given to its intended use, cost to install, cost to maintain, life expectancy, aesthetic conditions, seasonal factors and also convenience and safety factors. If improperly chosen, maintenance problems can result or even create larger problems. Other features used in landscape design include lighting, non-hazardous fixtures, ADA requirements, trash containers, bicycle racks and irrigation/drainage systems so that all are functional and yet attractive. When selecting plant material, the Roads and Grounds Department is continually researching plant material that is disease and insect resistant, which eliminates pesticide usage and requires less maintenance.

Sanitation Service
In order to keep the campus clean, attractive, and free of litter, it is essential that an effective system of trash collection and removal be in place. The Facilities Management has two large sanitation vehicles, which empty approximately 100 large dumpsters throughout campus. These dumpsters are only to be used for the collection and disposal of waste materials from inside the buildings. Objects such as metals, wood, tires, etc. should not be placed in these dumpsters because they will damage the compactor of the truck. If you have items that cannot be placed in the large dumpsters, call the Help Line (293-4357) and arrangements will be made to remove items. Also maintained by Labor Services are litter receptacles and ash urns, which are placed conveniently throughout campus. Litter removal from the WVU campus grounds is routinely scheduled on a daily basis. Sanitation vehicle drivers are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License for operation of equipment.

Moves
The Labor Division moves office equipment and furniture for all University departments throughout campus as approved. Equipment to be transferred from one department to another or delivered to surplus must be cleared by Inventory Control. Also included in the duties of this division are unloading computer and copy paper, and assisting all departments with tables and chairs as approved and requested for University functions. Off campus requests are not accommodated.

Set-ups / Special Events
This includes the setting up of staging, tents, tables and chairs for concerts, Commencement, and special functions throughout the University. Requests for this service may be obtained through normal University channels. Additional information or assistance can be provided through the Help Line (293-4357).

Snow Removal
The Grounds and Labor Department provides this service throughout campus. The Grounds Department has a prioritized snow removal plan for the entire campus to address weather conditions, timing, and activities that are occurring on campus. The Grounds Department has snow removal equipment such as a grader, payloader, backhoe, large and small trucks with snowplows and salt spreaders, tractors with power brooms and blades, and walk-behind power brooms and snowblowers. This department is responsible for removing snow from all parking lots, sidewalks, and steps throughout campus. There are not enough personnel or equipment to remove snow from all areas at once. If you do have an area that needs special attention, please call 293-4357, and your request will receive attention as soon as possible.

Pest Control
This department provides the following services to buildings on the Downtown and Evansdale Campus.

• Monthly inspection and proper treatment of all public areas such as restrooms, kitchens, and entranceways.
• Monthly inspections and proper treatment in Housing Apartments.
• Daily inspection of campus grounds for insects, bees, rodents, etc.
• Annual inspection and treatment of student housing.
• Monthly treatment outside buildings to prevent insects from entering the buildings.
• Treatment of all areas following Federal, State, and local laws.
• Treatment of all other areas upon request from building occupants.

Areas of Responsibility

• Pest Control
• Grounds Maintenance
• Snow Removal
• Landscape and Landscape Construction
• Equipment Repair and Maintenance
• Snow Removal
• Labor
• Moves
• Event Set-ups
• Sanitation