By Hunter Mccoll
Staff Reporter
From tree trimming and landscape design to irrigation system maintenance and holiday decorations, the Amarillo College groundskeepers ensure that the campuses remain a welcoming environment.
Many of the tasks require specialized licenses in chemical application, plumbing and other technical fields, which highlight the expertise needed for the job. Several members of the groundskeeping team said that working at AC is more than just a job; it’s a source of pride and an opportunity for growth.
“The college environment and atmosphere with the people is what I love,” groundskeeper Jose Moreno said.
Groundskeeper Jorge Bermea echoed Moreno’s sentiment. “My coworkers make it worth coming to work. The collective dedication from everyone to make this campus beautiful and keep it being a place where the community can be proud to call it AC is the best motivation there is,” Bermea said.
According to Washington Street Foreman, Garret Pugh, their work extends beyond simple upkeep around campus.
“I’d like to see some more landscape being finished that needs to be done and a seed program in the spring to get more of our grass up to date so that it’s nice and green and beautiful.”
For Robert Ballard, an irrigation specialist, the campus itself was a major draw. “It’s a beautiful place,” Ballard said. “That’s what got my attention when I moved out here, and I’ve been here for four years now.”
Beyond maintenance, the job offers continuous opportunities for learning and innovation in the field.
“What I love most about my job is the constant opportunity to and grow, which keeps me motivated to push myself further every day,” said Rebecca Harris, West Campus Foreman.
She also emphasized the personal impact of her work. “The ability to directly impact the lives of our colleagues through my work is what makes coming to work here so rewarding,” Harris said. “I’m constantly inspired by the innovative spirit of our college, which gives me the freedom to explore new ideas and contribute meaningfully.”
At the administrative level, the team has clear goals for the future including working on several buildings on various campuses. “I got a couple more landscape jobs I’m gonna do at West Campus this year,” Tommy Hickman, superintendent of roads and grounds said. “Right now, we’re just moving snow when we get it and making repairs on our equipment.”
For the crew, the summer season presents its own set of challenges. “Summertime has all the mowing,” Hickman said.
“It is overwhelming. Plus, AC had all their bond projects on top of all that,” Hickman added. “My goal here is to beautify the campuses. So, when the students’ parents come through, they go ‘Oh, I like this place. I want my kid to go here.’ It’s our goal.”
Efficiency is also a major focus for the crew. Irrigation technicians are stationed at both the West and Washington campuses, teams rotate mowing and fertilization duties while maintaining irrigation systems. “We’ve consolidated our team for efficiency purposes,” Robert Crockett, grounds maintenance foreman, said.
Crockett plays a vital role in overseeing the larger landscape, especially in the East Campus where he takes care of the outskirts of the properties.
“I operate a John Deere tractor with a 15’ wide batwing shredder,” Crockett said. “I maintain the field areas. During the season, I maintain all the outer perimeters of these areas. During the off-season, I mow out the fields mainly for fire prevention. We also have a housing maintenance division here that maintains around 300 rental houses.”
The Amarillo College grounds crew does far more than just cut grass – they shape the very environment that welcomes students, faculty and visitors, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who sets foot on campus
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