Part Time Groundskeeper

Calvin University; Grand Rapids; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain the campus grounds, including turf, athletic fields, irrigation systems, and equipment. The role also supports seasonal needs such as snow removal and supervises student grounds assistants.

This part-time, non-exempt position requires a high school diploma or GED (a 1-year technical certificate preferred) and 3–5 years of groundskeeping experience with turf and irrigation expertise.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 1-year certificate preferred.
• 3-5 years of groundskeeping experience with turf and irrigation expertise.
• Familiarity with grounds and equipment maintenance procedures.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Irrigate, fertilize, weed control, and mow turf campus-wide.
• Mow, fertilize, aerate, and weed athletic fields.
• Perform landscaping duties including tree care, planting, mulching, and pruning.
• Maintain, service, and repair groundskeeping machinery and equipment.
• Provide timely snow removal and ice management.
• Co-supervise student grounds assistants.

Skills

Professional communication

Blueprint reading

Time management

Independent judgment

Student supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

1-year technical certificate preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the campus grounds to ensure a healthy, attractive, and safe environment. This includes care and upkeep of turf, athletic fields, irrigation systems, and groundskeeping equipment. The Groundskeeper will also support seasonal needs, such as snow removal, and provide direction to student grounds assistants.

Job Title: Groundskeeper
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Grounds
Job Status: Part time, non-exempt

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Turf Management

• Irrigate, fertilize, apply weed control, and mow campus-wide turf to ensure healthy growth and aesthetic appeal.

Athletic Field Maintenance

• Mow, fertilize, aerate, and weed athletic fields to maintain safe, attractive conditions for sports activities.

Landscape and Tree Care

• Perform general landscaping duties, including tree care, planting, mulching, and pruning, to enhance campus grounds.

Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain, service, and repair groundskeeping machinery and equipment to ensure safety and functionality.

Snow and Ice Management

• Provide timely snow removal and ice management to maintain safe campus pathways during winter months.

Student Supervision

• Co-supervise student grounds assistants, providing direction to ensure tasks are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; a one-year certificate from a college or technical school is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in groundskeeping, with expertise in turf management and irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with specialized practices and procedures in grounds and equipment maintenance.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Communication Skills

• Professional communication skills, including greeting callers and visitors, providing information, and handling inquiries about campus grounds.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, and schematics, with occasional proofreading tasks.

Decision-Making and Complexity

• Able to follow established procedures, and exercise independent judgment in organizing work and setting priorities to achieve desired results.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• This position involves physical demands and exposure to various outdoor conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• Regular walking, standing, lifting, and carrying objects (up to 50 lbs).
• Use of groundskeeping equipment, with exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, and potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Operation of heavy equipment and vehicles as required.

Working Relationships

This role involves collaboration with peers and interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Regular communication with campus community members and routine problem-solving are key aspects of the role.

Other Requirements

• Availability to respond to emergencies as needed.
• Strong independent judgment and time management skills.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.