Groundskeeper II

Job Summary

RIT’s Facilities Management Services (FMS) department is looking for a dynamic Groundskeeper II to join the FMS Grounds team. We value and care about our team members and are committed to your well-being. As part of the team, you are eligible for RIT's comprehensive and competitive benefits program that adds generously to your total compensation, including medical/dental/vision, sick and vacation time, retirement, financial planning resources, educational benefits for you and your dependents, employee wellness program, and free use of on-site fitness facilities.

Additionally, our schedules are consistent, year-round, and you will be eligible for professional development and cross‑training opportunities that support your career growth.

The Groundskeeper II is part of the FMS Grounds team responsible for maintaining the exterior campus environment, which includes the campus' 1,300 acres of land, 32 miles of roads and walks, and 48 acres of parking lots.

This position maintains and enhances the aesthetic beauty of the RIT campus landscape and hardscape under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor and performs a variety of annual and seasonal tasks, such as maintenance and repair of exterior ground features, daily pickup of trash, sod laying, mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, leaf removal, snowplowing, and snow removal.

• The hours for this position could be between Sun‑Sat 6am‑11pm based on the needs of the department.
• This position is considered essential personnel. The holder must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including call‑in work that may encompass various shifts, weekends, holidays, institutional emergencies, and other times outside normal work schedules.

• Lawn and Athletic Field Care
  • Independently performs grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, aerating, weeding, mulching, trimming, grubbing, removing thatch, trimming/edging, mowing, and/or pruning. Cares for lawns, gardens, shrubs, flowers, flower beds, trees, and walkways.
• Winter Snow Removal
  • Independently removes snow and ice from assigned areas such as roads, walkways, parking lots, and stairs using hand and power snow removal equipment.
  • Coordinates and/or performs snow removal on artificial and turf fields using techniques that prevent damage to fields, surfaces, and their bases.
  • Spreads salt, sand, and deicers to prevent slipping.
• General Grounds Upkeep and Support
  • Independently removes litter from grounds by emptying trash containers and sweeping doorways, steps, and fire exits; removes signage, posters, and graffiti; disposes of dead animals and bodily fluids properly.
  • Provides proper upkeep of hard surface areas such as sidewalks, concrete pavers, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, and other outdoor structures and amenities.
  • Provides support for special events throughout campus, delivering signage, grills, and barricades.
• Equipment
  • Independently operates hand and power equipment such as mowers, tillers, sweepers, snow blowers, edgers, shovels, and small vehicles.
  • Operates heavy equipment such as snow plows and tractors.
  • Performs routine assembly, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment as needed.
• Leadership/Supervision
  • Supervises, trains, or organizes work for student employees.
• Specialization
  • Works toward developing skills in grounds specializations such as horticulture and athletic fields.
• Assists with special projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• One year of experience working in groundskeeping, construction, maintenance, facilities, or another outdoor setting.

Licenses

• Pre‑employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is required.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Skills

• Safely and efficiently operate vehicles and powered equipment necessary for grounds activities.
• Select and use appropriate PPE for tasks performed and conditions encountered.
• Self‑motivated and willing to perform manual labor.
• Withstand irregular and long hours during winter…