Grounds Keeper II - Benedict College

Overview

Thompson Facilities Services is hiring a Groundskeeper II who is responsible for performing skilled grounds maintenance work to ensure campus exterior areas are safe, clean, and visually well maintained. This position performs more advanced landscaping duties than Groundskeeper I, including independent work, operation of larger equipment, and support of campus-wide grounds projects. This role supports institutional standards for safety, appearance, and service excellence aligned with Thompson Facilities Service standards for safety, quality, and campus pride.

• Perform routine and semi-skilled landscaping tasks including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, mulching, and planting
• Maintain lawns, athletic fields, shrubbery, trees, and campus green spaces
• Execute seasonal grounds work including leaf removal, aeration, fertilization support, and storm cleanup
• Maintain cleanliness of sidewalks, entrances, and exterior building surroundings

• Operate a variety heavy and large-scale ground equipment
  , which may include:
• Riding and zero-turn commercial mowers
• Compact tractors and utility tractors
• Front-end loaders or skid steers (as assigned and trained)
• Dump trailers, leaf vacuums, and debris loaders
• Snow plows, salt spreaders, and related winter operations equipment
• Safely transport materials, mulch, soil, debris, and equipment across campus
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and pre-use inspections on all assigned equipment
• Report mechanical issues and ensure equipment is properly cleaned and stored

• Follow all OSHA safety standards and campus safety procedures
• Operate equipment safely in high-traffic pedestrian campus environments
• Identify and report hazards such as uneven walkways, drainage issues, or damaged landscaping
• Support snow and ice removal operations, including early mornings, nights, or emergency response

• Assist with campus landscaping projects, renovations, and improvement initiatives
• Support Groundskeeper I staff and provide informal guidance when needed
• Assist with event setup and breakdown affecting outdoor spaces
• Work collaboratively with supervisors to complete priority assignments efficiently

• Ensure all assigned campus areas meet established appearance and maintenance standards
• Follow direction from supervisors while maintaining strong independent work performance
• Contribute to overall campus curb appeal a nd environmental safety

• 2-4 years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or facilities maintenance experience
• Experience operating commercial landscaping and/or light construction equipment required
• Ability to safely operate heavy grounds equipment in public or campus environments
• Basic knowledge of turf care, landscaping practices, and equipment maintenance
• Strong reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently

• Experience operating skid steers, compact tractors, or similar equipment in a commercial or campus setting
• Snow removal and winter operations experience
• Institutional, university, or large property grounds experience
• OSHA or equipment safety training

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Exposure to heavy equipment, noise, and physically demanding tasks
• May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and emergency response during weather events or campus needs

• This is an essential position which may require work during inclement weather

The Facilities Division of Thompson Hospitality provides comprehensive facility management and support services tailored to corporate, educational, and government clients. The division specializes in custodial and janitorial services, building maintenance, groundskeeping, engineering support, and integrated facilities management solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and maintain safe, clean environments. Known for its commitment to service excellence, workforce development, and diversity, Thompson Hospitality's Facilities Division combines industry expertise with customer-focused strategies to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that support clients' core missions.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to…