Groundskeeper

About the role

The Groundskeeper supports the Assistant Grounds Supervisor with the general upkeep of the university’s outdoor areas, contributing to their safety, usability, and appearance. This role involves maintaining safe, functional, and attractive outdoor areas on campus.

Responsibilities

• Care and maintenance of turf and woody and herbaceous plants
• Diagnose and correct turf issues on campus lawn areas and sports fields
• Maintain irrigation systems on campus including repair, winterizing, spring startup, audits, diagnostics, and replacement
• Fertilize, seed, aerate, water and spray pesticides on turf, trees and shrubs
• Trim woody and herbaceous plant material and remove and dispose of dead and infected plant material
• Plant woody and herbaceous plant material as required
• Operate various equipment efficiently and safely. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, mowers, front end loaders, dump trucks, utility tractors and attachments
• Snow removal of walks, parking lots, drives and parking lots
• Plow, broom, blow and hand shovel snow as needed
• Operate Holders, tractors, end loaders, sanders and spreaders and other equipment assigned
• Salt and sand as needed
• Ability to work 15 hours in a 24-hour period
• Perform Miscellaneous tasks as directed
• Follow all safety procedures and report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor
• Utilize environmentally friendly practices
• Perform minor repair and preventive maintenance on equipment
• Report all equipment problems to your Supervisor and the Mechanic
• Accurately record all your work time in TMA and HRS
• Accurately record all fuel and supply usage on proper forms
• Maintain ability to operate computers and required software
• Respond to emergencies, when available, outside of normal work hours
• Assist other units of Facilities Management as directed by your supervisor

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year grounds experience
• Good work habits, such as attendance, punctuality, and accountability
• Work independently and as part of a team

Preferred

• Two or four-year degree, in turf management from an accredited university
• 2 years working on a university grounds crew using horticultural best practices
• Experience in commercial snow removal
• Experience operating various turf maintenance equipment

Special Requirements

• Valid Driver’s license
• Working knowledge of desktop applications such as Outlook

Benefits

The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees. Employee Benefits: Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)