Groundskeeper

The Grounds Keeper, reporting to the Grounds Manager & Small Project Assistant, maintains and cares for the campus grounds with an emphasis on safety and aesthetics in an environment‑conscious manner, utilizing best management practices to care for the campus surroundings.

• Mowing, trimming, weeding, leaf collecting, pruning, fertilization, irrigating/watering and all other duties as assigned to maintain the campus in a manner that is well‑manicured and pleasing to those who enter the campus.
• Snow removal and all related aspects such as: plowing, salting and shoveling, etc.
• Assists with the maintenance of the athletic fields to ensure the aesthetics, safety and all related aspects including but not limited to: fertilizing, mowing, aerating, slit seeding, top‑dressing and dragging and/or grooming the fields, etc.
• Prune and maintain trees, shrubs and plantings in an aesthetic manner to allow for full potential growth and beauty.
• General maintenance of the campus grounds landscape as required such as: application of fertilizers and pesticides, trash and litter debris removal and collection.
• Maintain proper tree/branch and shrubbery clearances from buildings with respect to proper building clearances to reduce deterioration of exterior facades and clogging of gutters and downspouts, and from electrical and communication wires to preserve the operation of the campus.
• Operate and maintain all equipment necessary for this position.
• Work with student employees as necessary.
• Assist other trades within Plant Operations as directed.
• Assist other departments as directed with office and furniture moves and event set‑ups.

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in professional grounds related services.
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Certification is preferred but not required; however the ability to obtain certification is required.
• Tree climbing experience is preferred but not required.
• Must be familiar with the installation and transplanting of plant materials.
• Valid driver's license a must.
• Must be able to operate all types of landscape equipment (i.e. lawn equipment, chipper, chain saws, snow plows, etc.).
• Must be able to perform general service work on equipment in order to maintain proper operation (i.e. oil changes, grease fittings, change blades, replace string on weed whackers, etc.).
• Ability to perform all tasks associated with general landscaping and grounds (i.e. pruning, mowing, aerating, slit‑seeding, planting and digging, etc.).
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Ability to report to work and perform required duties for a minimum of eight (8) hours per day.
• It is essential that the incumbent exhibits an understanding of, and support for, the University’s Christian mission.
• Embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation.
• Seeks to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect and to foster a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve the common mission.

• Frequently move, transport, lift, push/pull and maneuver up to 75 lbs.
• Frequently walk, stoop, kneel, climb, crawl, crouch and bend.
• Frequently be able to reach and work overhead.
• Fine hand manipulation.
• Performs duties in tight confines.
• Detect and locate leaks and differentiate between common odors related to trade (gas, diesel fuel, oil, anti‑freeze, pesticides, fertilizer, etc.).
• Visually detect and discern the needed materials to perform work as described above.
• Respond to and initiate verbal communications.
• Diagnose by careful listening.
• Differentiate by touch‑hot / cold.