Grounds Worker (Multiple Positions)

Civil Service position requiring a 4-month working test period. Designated as essential; on-campus work only, no remote option. Must obtain New Jersey residency within one year of employment.

About the role

Reporting to the Assistant Head Grounds Worker, the Grounds Worker performs tasks that result in horticulturally sound practices leading to first-rate care of the University's landscape.

Responsibilities

• Monitor campus grounds to determine needs for services such as fertilizing, insect and disease control, weeding, dead plant removal, watering, pruning, etc.
• Police campus grounds and pick up litter and debris on an as-needed basis.
• Maintain lawns and softscapes to maintain a neat and horticulturally appealing appearance, including mowing, trimming, edging, and other activities.
• Water new plant material and floral displays to help with establishment and survival.
• Prune trees and shrubs according to University policy to maintain their health and aesthetic value, as well as to maintain street, walkway, building, signage, and lighting clearance.
• Install and maintain seasonal plantings using annual flowers, perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, bulbs, etc.
• Remove snow and ice using truck/plow, ATV/plow, snow blower, shovel, etc., to maintain safe roadways, sidewalks, and stairways on campus.
• Report to supervisor the need for any services or any unsafe action and/or condition.
• Place a premium upon safety rules and regulations pertaining to operation of tools, machinery, etc.
• Maintain and prepare athletic fields and adjacent areas for practices and events, including dragging, vacuuming, lining, clean-up, etc.
• Edge, cultivate, and mulch tree rings and shrub beds.
• Remove leaves from lawns, walks, roads, parking lots, etc., on an as-needed basis to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Inspect, clean, and perform preventive maintenance of equipment and tools used in the performance of tasks.
• Prepare areas to be landscaped and install landscape material as required (e.g., soil, seed, sod, mulch, shrubs, trees, pavers, decorative stone).
• Build skill base by attending landscape training sessions as assigned.
• Attend safety training as identified by the leadership of the Grounds department.
• Acquire knowledge of and utilize technology as required to fulfill duties (e.g., handheld devices, pagers, two-way radios, cellphones).
• Respond to emergencies and close out assigned work order requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Treat customers, coworkers, students, and guests with respect.
• Provide supervisor with a log that indicates activities completed on a particular day.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One year of experience in the performance of landscape maintenance work.
• A valid NJ Driver’s license.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
• Must be available to work all shifts, overtime, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in large-scale operation and maintenance of grounds, gardens, and/or sports fields.
• New Jersey Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with certifications in categories 3A and 3B and ProFACT fertilizer license.

Pay

Salary range: $40,321.62 – $57,948.52 annually. Salaries for internal candidates are determined by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission’s formula. Salaries for external candidates are determined up to step four, $45,609.69.

Benefits

The position may be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, visit Montclair State University Benefits.