Groundskeeper

Position Summary JOB DESCRIPTION The Grounds team consists of 20-plus groundskeepers, arborists, and other specialists who develop and maintain our 300-acre, tree-lined campus in an environmentally sensitive and aesthetically pleasing manner. This dedicated team works throughout the year in all weather conditions while caring for our trees, fields, gardens, and lawns. Our mission is to create a great first impression and support the university’s mission of teaching and research through our effective and innovative stewardship of the campus landscape. The Groundskeeper will perform general landscape maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, raking, planting, watering, weeding, caring for trees and shrubs, performing minor irrigation repairs, and assisting with pest control on campus. The Groundskeeper will also clean streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots, and perform trash removal. We are looking to hire 3 groundskeepers to our team! The ideal candidate understands that success in this role requires a commitment to teamwork, a willingness to learn, flexibility in work assignments, and a dedication to first-class customer service. Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues. Workplace Requirements This position is fully on-site and requires all duties to be performed in person, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with occasional overtime expected approximately 3–4 times per year and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. The role is designated as essential on campus, requiring consistent on-site presence to support critical operations and respond during campus emergencies.The work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, as well as environmental factors such as dirt, dust, fumes, pollen, noise, and hazardous chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.Duties may also involve working at elevated heights on ladders or scaffolding and operating heavy equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, and hedge trimmers.This position is classified as heavy work, requiring the ability to exert up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds continuously. The role also requires standing and/or walking for up to 8 hours per day, coordinating multiple limbs to safely operate equipment and vehicles, and performing physical activities such as bending, crouching, kneeling, lifting, reaching, climbing, balancing, and maintaining visual awareness for safe task execution. Hiring Range This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the starting salary is $18.00 an hour. This rate is non-negotiable. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements No formal education required0–1 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field Skills Ability to follow instructions and standardized proceduresBasic knowledge of landscaping or groundskeeping (or willingness to learn)Safe use of hand tools and small equipmentPhysical stamina and ability to perform manual labor outdoorsDependability and punctualityAttention to detail in completing assigned tasksAbility to work as part of a teamAwareness of basic safety practicesFlexibility to work in changing weather conditions and schedules Preferences High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in horticulture, landscaping, or a related fieldSome experience in landscape maintenance or a related fieldAbility and willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and basic equipment operationDependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethicAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a teamAbility to follow instructions and complete tasks accurately Essential Functions Maintains landscape plants by performing routine care activities to support plant health, appearance, and longevityMows, edges, trims, prunes, rakes, plants, waters, and weeds turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers across campus to ensure a clean, safe, and visually appealing environmentCleans assigned work areas after tasks are completed, including removing debris, returning tools, and ensuring spaces are left neat and orderlyPicks up litter and empties trash cans throughout assigned areas to maintain campus cleanlinessCleans streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots using manual tools and/or equipment to ensure safe and accessible pathwaysApplies fertilizers and other basic treatments to support plant growth and overall landscape health, following safety guidelinesKeeps area drain grates clean and free of debris to support proper drainage and prevent flooding hazardsUses hand tools and basic landscaping equipment safely and effectively to complete assigned tasksMonitors assigned areas for maintenance needs or safety concerns and reports issues to supervisors as appropriateAssists team members with general groundskeeping tasks and supports overall team productivityFollows all safety procedures and guidelines, including proper handling of equipment and materialsPerforms all other duties as assigned to support campus grounds maintenance and operations Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.