Facility Operations Assistant 1; Grounds

Position Information

Budget Title Facility Operations Assistant 1 (Grounds)

Campus Title Facility Operations Assistant 1 (Grounds)

School/Division Finance and Management, Division of

Department Grounds

Staff Sub-Type Staff & Administration

Salary Level SG006

Salary Range $37,862

Salary Determination Starting salary rates are based on negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort Full-Time

If Part-Time, enter FTE:

Is this a temporary position? Yes

Temporary End Date 04/07/2027

The Facility Operations Assistant 1 (Grounds) performs essential, hands‑on manual labor to maintain the safety, cleanliness, and visual appeal of facility grounds and exterior structures. This role focuses on routine landscaping, seasonal snow removal, property cleanup, and the safe operation of basic power equipment. This position serves as essential personnel, ensuring the campus remains operational and accessible to the public during all weather conditions and emergencies.

Salary: $37,862

A full‑time grounds worker position working Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday pass days, 6:00 AM-2:30 PM. During winter and summer months this position returns to Monday through Friday with Saturday and Sunday pass‑days. In the winter, the position may work 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, or 6 AM to 2:30 PM depending on operational need and seniority within the department.

• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work‑life balance and well‑being in all forms. The university’s state‑of‑the‑art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s approval.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings.

• Cut grass, trim shrubs, and fertilize lawns regularly. Plant seeds, shrubs, and trees to develop and preserve campus greenery.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety, and visual condition of the grounds by sweeping, raking, and shoveling daily debris.
• Cut down or remove dead trees and safely load them onto trucks for disposal.
• Prepare, groom, and maintain athletic fields to ensure safe play surfaces and compliance with specified regulations.
• Routinely maintain roads, parking lots, walkways, and exterior steps. Break up damaged concrete and asphalt to apply patches, preventing tripping hazards and structural degradation.
• Assist heavily with critical snow and ice removal during winter months. Hand shoveling represents a significant portion of snow removal duties to keep steps, entryways, and narrow walkways clear and safe.

• For all assigned tasks, pick up and remove any hazardous items from floors and furniture, and place them in designated receptacles or appropriate locations.
• Notify supervisor of any safety hazard that cannot be mitigated on site.

• This position reports to the Head Grounds Supervisor

• There are no education or experience requirements for this position. This position is a labor class position and as such is not subject to selection on the basis of seniority. Selection of…