Position Requirements:

1. General knowledge of facility upkeep (Changing light bulbs, paint, etc)
2. Proven work experience as a Groundskeeper or similar role
3. Familiarity with sprinkler systems and other landscaping equipment
4. Knowledge of gardening techniques
5. Knowledge of gardening products such as fertilizers and pesticides
6. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods
7. Experience: At least two years of experience in groundskeeping is required, where knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers and grasses has been gained, Knowledge of the use and proper disposal of chemicals used in groundskeeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) is preferred.
8. Skills: The ability to read English language sufficiently to understand written work orders and instructions as well as directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of cleaners, solvents, chemicals, fertilizers and similar products used in groundskeeping is required. Skill in the proper operation and maintenance of grounds maintenance tools, equipment, and machinery is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
9. The ability to identify and eradicate disease or insect damage to plant and turf materials is preferred.
10. Effort: Requires the ability to lift and carry groundskeeping supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis, prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate manual, electrically-powered and/or gasoline-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines. Requires the ability to access facilities and areas which may only be accessible by climbing stairs or by climbing ladders to a height of 20 feet (e.g., for tree trimming). Must be able to move throughout assigned areas, as the work is performed primarily out-of-doors, year round. Employees in this job classification (job title) are designated as essential employees and must report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed due to severe weather.
11. License: Motor vehicle operator’s license.
12. Other: Scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemical compounds for application on trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, and grasses which may be hazardous and cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, application, use and disposal/storage are not properly followed.

Position Responsibilities

1. Cleaning the grounds and buildings
2. Event set up/breakdown
3.  Performs tasks common to the care of grounds and landscapes by seeding, watering, mulching, fertilizing, and applying chemicals to outside plantings, lawns and turf, as well as inside flowers and cuttings used in transplanting; inspecting plant materials for insects, disease, physical and mechanical damage and identifying replacements; transplanting, pruning, trimming, and cultivating trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers; and storing and caring for bulbs and cuttings in the winter season.
4.  Performs regular and directed grounds and landscape maintenance by mowing lawns with riding or push mowers; trimming and edging around trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, sidewalks and buildings; weeding, thinning and cleaning flower beds and other grounds by hand or utilizing proper tools and equipment; and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and cleaning irrigation systems.
5. Removes unsightly trash and debris from public areas by regularly inspecting grounds, drains, manhole covers, etc., for debris; raking, sweeping and bagging leaves, debris, dirt and trash from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, tunnels, and transporting the trash to designated central collection points on a daily basis.
6.  Assists in preventing accidents resulting from snow or ice covered walkways by removing mowing decks and installing snow removal equipment on riding mowers and tractors; operating snow blowers, tractors or mowers with blades and using shovels to remove snow and spread sand, chat and salt on snow- or ice-covered surfaces.
7.  Ensures that grounds maintenance equipment and building maintenance equipment are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment and machines within reasonable capabilities.
8.  Contributes to the overall success of the campus by performing all other related duties as assigned.