Groundskeeper (Part-time, OPS) (Panama City Campus)

Florida State University is one of the nation’s top public universities, and FSU Panama City amplifies the university’s efforts to preserve, expand, and disseminate knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and human services professions. Located 100 miles west of Tallahassee on North St. Andrews Bay—just three miles from the beaches of the Emerald Coast—FSU PC offers 20 bachelor's programs, 9 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program with a small faculty-to-student ratio for a personalized academic experience.

FSU Panama City recently opened a new, waterfront residential housing complex for both undergraduate and graduate students. Learn about the FSU PC Promise or explore the campus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscapes, including mowing and edging turf, trimming trees and shrubs, planting and caring for flowers, trees, and ornamental plants, and ensuring the overall appearance and health of landscaped areas.
• Maintain patios, walkways, stairwells, parking lots, and other exterior areas in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• Ensure all manual and powered grounds equipment is properly maintained, operated safely, and kept in good working order; promptly report equipment deficiencies or repair needs to the Program Manager.
• Assist with the planning, development, and enhancement of campus landscaping and beautification projects.
• Under the direction of the Program Manager, implement landscape designs, renovations, and grounds improvement projects, including the installation of new plantings, landscape features, and aesthetic enhancements that support the campus appearance and operational goals.
• Maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize campus irrigation systems to ensure efficient water distribution and healthy landscape conditions.
• Evaluate and adjust irrigation coverage, flow rates, water pressure, run times, and seasonal watering schedules based on weather conditions, temperatures, rainfall, and plant growth requirements.
• Recommend system upgrades, modifications, and expansions to improve performance, water conservation, and coverage.
• Coordinate and modify irrigation systems as necessary to accommodate campus construction and improvement projects.
• Utilize diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair irrigation controllers, timers, solenoids, valves, sensors, wiring, and related system components.
• Determine and implement appropriate disease, insect, and weed control measures, and develop and administer seasonal fertilization programs for turf, trees, shrubs, and ornamental plantings to promote healthy and attractive campus landscapes.

Qualifications

• Completion of ninth grade.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of general safety practices (OSHA awareness).
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification.
• Florida Public Pesticide Applicator License.
• Florida Public Applicator License with the Ornamental & Turf endorsement.

Training

During the first three months, the OPS Groundskeeper will receive structured, hands-on training to build familiarity with campus systems, tools, and safety procedures:

• Work closely with their supervisor and department head to participate in guided training sessions on university equipment, facilities, and standard operating procedures.
• Shadow experienced staff to learn daily workflows and preventative maintenance practices.
• Gain an understanding of departmental safety protocols and compliance requirements.
• Take on progressively more independent assignments with ongoing support and feedback.
• Establish strong working relationships with team members and campus partners.

By the end of the first 90 days, the groundskeeper is expected to be confident in navigating campus facilities, performing routine maintenance tasks, and contributing independently to the department’s work while continuing to develop advanced skills.

This is an OPS/temporary position located on-site in Panama City, Florida, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026. Based on duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.