Groundskeeper

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Job Location:

Hattiesburg, MS

Salary Range:
Undisclosed

Anticipated start date: no earlier than January 16, 2026

This position is semi‑skilled work in general grounds‑keeping activities and engine‑equipment maintenance. The employee is responsible for tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, sodding, mowing, and trimming lawns and gardens.

The employee generally works under supervision and performs duties as directed by the Grounds Supervisor. Quality of work is evaluated through inspections.

• Assist the university in implementing the statement of purpose
• Assist the university in implementing the long‑range institutional plan
• Assist in the operation of the Grounds department
• Perform maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of all grounds irrigation systems
• Perform landscape installation and construction
• Install, repair or modify all existing valves, controllers, irrigation systems, electrical wiring, water mains, and fire hydrants; study existing irrigation blueprints as necessary
• Irrigate, trim, edge, aerate, mow, fertilize, and renovate turf areas; irrigate, feed, spray, and cultivate around trees, shrubs, and hedges; trim and prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
• Diagnose disease and pest conditions; spray landscaped areas with herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides; prepare chemical mixtures in proper proportions; locate, trap, and bait rodents; all according to federal, state, and county regulations
• Provide a variety of general maintenance to campus grounds; blow, sweep, and wash sidewalks, statues, fountains, and other hardscapes
• Assist with maintaining, troubleshooting, and repair of grounds tools, equipment, and machinery
• Perform general duties such as installing campus signs and setting up and taking down campus events and outdoor classrooms as needed
• Interface with contractors and vendors as requested
• Participate in the care and maintenance of grounds and improve landscape by planting trees, grass, flowers, and shrubs
• Remove dirt, rubbish, leaves, and other refuse, and maintain walkways, parking areas, sheds, and benches
• Participate in filling, surfacing, hauling, and fertilizing operations
• Mow and trim lawns; trim hedges with hand and power‑driven equipment; weed flower beds; and remove hazardous tree limbs
• Water lawns, trees, and shrubs using hoses or sprinkler system
• Spray lawns, shrubs, and trees with fertilizer or insecticide, and apply soil supplements to improve soil
• Maintain and perform minor repairs to campus roads and pavements
• Maintain, repair, and clean campus decorative fountains
• Maintain campus cleanliness
• May work with Housekeeping, Maintenance, or Projects crews as needed
• May assist Campus Security occasionally
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• Ability to read and perform simple math calculations necessary to properly mix chemicals as needed or instructed
• Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Uncompromised ability to wear OSHA, ANSI, and WCU prescribed safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Valid Mississippi driver licence
• Must be able to perform duties in an on‑campus setting

• Previous work in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Agriculture pesticide and herbicide applicator licence
• Gardener, Master Gardener certification

Heavy physical labour with constant standing and walking for extended periods; frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to fifty pounds; frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping; manual dexterity required for installing grass sod, shaping and trimming shrubbery, climbing ladders, and operating power equipment safely; ability to operate gas or electric vehicles, carts, motor vehicles, tractors, loaders, trailers, etc.; carry, pick up, or deliver materials, supplies, and equipment to various work areas;

regularly wear OSHA, ANSI, and WCU designated PPE.

Indoor and outdoor environments in all weather conditions including rain, cold, and extreme heat; work on slippery and uneven surfaces; work at, above, and below…