Groundskeeper, Landscape Construction

Job Description And Position Requirements

Penn State is searching for a full‑time Groundskeeper, Landscape Construction — Grade 6 to join the team.

Duties include:

• Install landscape construction projects and landscape plantings according to specifications, plans, and designs as directed by Lead or Supervisor
• Construct, install, erect, remove, repair, and/or replace decorative or functional hardscape structures such as rockwork, ponds, patios, walkways, steps, fences, planters, edging, erosion control, swales and similar drainage projects
• Prepare the landscape for construction projects; clear obstructions including bike racks, benches, posts, signs, fences, trees, plants, etc.; grind stumps; remove, grade, tamp, roll, and compact soil; install mats, rock, gravel, and other materials; replant, repair, reinstall, and otherwise return to pre‑construction condition as directed
• Establish sub‑grades and finish grades for landscape construction projects, lawns, and planting beds
• Mix concrete for patchwork and minor masonry repairs; form and pour small concrete pads; position and dismantle forms. Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and adjust basic irrigation equipment including sprinkler heads and waterlines; prepare equipment for seasonal changes
• Mix compost and mulch materials using provided recipes; apply water as instructed
• Operate various vehicles and equipment including trucks, tractors, high‑lift, backhoe, skid‑steer loader, wheel loader, mixer, mini‑excavator, tree spade, hydroseeder, mowers, spreaders, landscape trailers, and other landscape and light construction equipment
• Load and unload equipment on truck or trailer; transport equipment to job site; attach and detach equipment accessories
• Perform basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as adjusting, cleaning, oiling, greasing, inspecting water level, anti‑freeze, and air pressure of tires; repair and adjust equipment as required
• Set up safety equipment and barriers around work zone
• Cut, trim, fertilize, spray, aerate, roll, seed, re‑seed, and water lawns; control pests using various acceptable methods
• Plant, transplant, prune, weed, feed, spray, and cultivate perennials and other flowers, trees, and shrubs according to specifications
• Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, paper, spoil, cinders, and rubbish from walks, roads, curbs, parking lots, lawns, and other University property; remove paint and other materials defacing the exterior of University property
• Remove snow and ice from roads, parking lots, walks, shrubs, trees, etc.; apply deicing material
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work area in a clean and orderly condition; report repair needs or unusual conditions to Supervisor or Lead
• Coordinate with trades, equipment operators, and contractors in the field as required

Job Requirements:

Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including decimals and fractions; simple use of formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams, together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments, grades and the like requiring interpretation in their various applications; or the posting, preparation, interpretation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data.

Requires a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License Class A with Endorsement N and a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification with Categories 6 and 7. Over 1 year up to and including 2 years of effective experience.

Work Schedule:

6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Days Off:
Saturday, Sunday

• 1 to 2 years of effective experience
• Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License Class A with Endorsement N – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
• Pesticide Applicator Certification – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Categories 6 and 7)

Background Checks / Clearances:
Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies, motor vehicle records check, federal Department of Transportation testing for alcohol and controlled substances (49 CFR Part 40), and physical examination requirements as per PA. CODE 231.85.

Penn State does…