Grounds and Service Technician I

Susquehanna University; Selinsgrove (Snyder County); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA seeks a Grounds and Service Technician I to support campus groundskeeping and related service tasks. The role combines landscaping duties (about 60%) with regular support for service operations (about 40%), reporting to the Grounds Tech II Lead. Overtime may be required.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather; 40 hours per week as a full-time staff member.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ground and/or landscaping experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to drive and qualify under university insurance.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Follow daily work orders for groundskeeping tasks such as seeding, mowing, edging, bagging leaves, pruning, weeding, mulching, watering.
• Work independently or in small teams on landscaping projects.
• Remove snow and ice; spread ice melt with equipment; work in extreme weather when needed.
• Assist in repairing damages from storms and emergencies.
• Move and deliver materials, set up for university departments, and assist other trades as needed.
• Maintain safety rules and proper operation of equipment.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Ladders

Tractor

Push mower

Gas powered blowers

Hedge trimmers

Chain saw

Scaffolding

Power tools (drills, saws)

Job description

Grounds and Service Technician I

Susquehanna University

Job Type: Staff - Full-Time Benefits Eligible

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Hours per week: 40

Number of months: 12

Location : Selinsgrove, PA

Closing Date: 9/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

Job Summary

The Grounds Technician performs a variety of semi-skilled grounds keeping, landscaping and manual labor tasks in support of the campus community. This is a shared position with responsibilities spanning both Grounds and Service operations, with primary emphasis on groundskeeping and landscaping (approx. 60%) and regular support of service operations (approx. 40%). The position reports directly to the Grounds Tech II Lead and collaborates with both departments to meet operational needs across campus. Overtime availability is required. This position is defined as non-exempt under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Follow instructions on daily work orders. Seed and mow grass; trim and edge lawns; gather and bag leaves; prune, weed, plant, mulch, water, and maintain all landscape materials.
• Be able to work both independently as well as on small teams to complete landscaping projects as directed.
• Remove snow and ice from walks and driveways; spread ice melt using motorized equipment, power and hand tools. Work in extreme temperature and weather conditions on an extended basis as necessary.
• Assist in cleaning and repairing damages caused by wind, rain, and ice storms, including emergency situations.
• Collect bagged waste and discarded items at building sites and deliver to collection area. Remove debris from campus grounds on an ongoing basis.
• Assist and support the labor shop as needed with duties including delivering/moving mail, furniture, equipment, supplies, and construction materials; perform set-ups for various University departments.
• Assist carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, and housekeepers as assigned.
• Maintain complete familiarity with safety rules and procedures in the performance of assigned duties. Request additional training as needed.
• Maintain complete familiarity with operation and basic maintenance of job-related equipment and supplies. Request additional training as needed.
• Assist with the application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals as directed and under the supervision of a licensed applicator (Supervisor General Services),
• Understand and follow all safety rules.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience

Ground and/or landscaping experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of and ability to safely use the following equipment: Extension ladders, @ 16 ft. to 60 ft., 38 lbs. to 100 lbs.; Stepladders; wood, aluminum, and fiberglass @ 3 ft. to 12 ft., 22 lbs. to 77 lbs.; Tractor; Push Mower; Gas Powered Blowers; Hedge trimmers, electric and manual; Chain saw, 20 lbs.; Furniture carts; Scaffolding up to 50 ft. high - 40 lbs. per end section; Hand tools: shovel, sledge hammer, pick ax, post hole digger, common mechanics hand tools; Power tools: drills, saws, and grinder, Gators and electric golf carts (with and without trailers and towed equipment). The ability to receive and interpret instructions and to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Additional Information for Applicant

Additional Requirements

This position requires a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive and qualify under the university's insurance carrier when driving a university and/or leased vehicle.

Physical Demand

Work routines involve climbing scaffolding, stairs, and step ladders; bending; lifting many and various items; creeping on knees; raking and shoveling; pushing and pulling equipment.

• Lifts various weights up to 100 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Pushes or pulls various weights up to 100 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Carries various weights up to 100 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Work outside exposed to low and high temperatures and weather.