Groundskeeper

About the role

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. This position performs a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. The Groundskeeper will also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet.

Schedule

The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding
• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice

Requirements

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle
• Individuals must have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reactions, e.g., within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed

Qualifications

• Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage
• Paid holidays and paid sick days
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career
• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation