Groundskeeper

About the role

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. Our mission is to create a great first impression and support the university’s mission of teaching and research through effective and innovative stewardship of the campus landscape.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscape plants by performing routine care activities to support plant health, appearance, and longevity
• Mow, edge, trim, prune, rake, plant, water, and weed turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers across campus to ensure a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment
• Clean assigned work areas after tasks are completed, including removing debris, returning tools, and ensuring spaces are left neat and orderly
• Pick up litter and empty trash cans throughout assigned areas to maintain campus cleanliness
• Clean streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots using manual tools and/or equipment to ensure safe and accessible pathways
• Apply fertilizers and other basic treatments to support plant growth and overall landscape health, following safety guidelines
• Keep area drain grates clean and free of debris to support proper drainage and prevent flooding hazards
• Use hand tools and basic landscaping equipment safely and effectively to complete assigned tasks
• Monitor assigned areas for maintenance needs or safety concerns and report issues to supervisors as appropriate
• Assist team members with general groundskeeping tasks and support overall team productivity
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines, including proper handling of equipment and materials

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. 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.

Requirements

• No formal education required
• 0–1 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field

Skills

• Ability to follow instructions and standardized procedures
• Basic knowledge of landscaping or groundskeeping (or willingness to learn)
• Safe use of hand tools and small equipment
• Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor outdoors
• Dependability and punctuality
• Attention to detail in completing assigned tasks
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Awareness of basic safety practices
• Flexibility to work in changing weather conditions and schedules

Preferences

• High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Some experience in landscape maintenance or a related field
• Ability and willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and basic equipment operation
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Pay

The starting salary is $18.00 an hour. This rate is non-negotiable.