Grounds Category C - Groundskeeper II (Tues - Sat)

Illinois School District U-46; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 is seeking a Groundskeeper II to support daily grounds operations, landscaping, irrigation, snow/ice management, and outdoor facilities maintenance. This role reports to the Coordinator of Grounds and may require evening/weekend hours for events.

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, Illinois Driver's License and Pesticide License. Prior grounds experience and ability to operate equipment are essential for ensuring safe, clean, and functional exterior spaces

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License prior to start date.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License required prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Lead small crew to complete assigned tasks.
• Perform grounds maintenance: mowing, edging, fertilizing, weed control, trash collection.
• Operate grounds equipment and tools safely.
• Maintain irrigation equipment and repair as needed.
• Install/repair fencing and prepare athletic fields for events.
• Support events with setup, activities, and post-event cleanup.
• Monitor supplies and coordinate with vendors as needed.
• Respond to after-hours snow/ice management and emergencies.
• Coordinate work orders via district system and communicate status.
• Serve as custodian floater to support operations.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Snow removal

Equipment operation

Playground maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Illinois Driver's License

Illinois Pesticide License

Job description

Grounds Category C - Groundskeeper II (Tues - Sat) JobID: 46479

• Position Type: Plant Operations / Maintenance / Grounds/ Groundskeeper
• Date Posted: 8/17/2026
• Date Available: ASAP

Position / Title:

Grounds Category C - Groundskeeper II

Bargaining Unit:

ESSO

Department/Location:

Plant Operations

Work Days:

261

Reports To:

Coordinator of Grounds

JD Revision Date:

05/29/2026

Supervises:

N/A

Function / Position Summary

Supports the daily groundskeeping operation and assists in landscaping, arboriculture, concrete and asphalt maintenance, snow and ice management, and outdoor facilities and playground maintenance. Promptly reports any issues beyond their level of expertise to the appropriate supervisor and safely completes tasks in accordance with district and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. This role ensures the grounds remain clean, safe, and fully functional for students, staff, and community stakeholders.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead small crew to complete assigned tasks.
• Perform grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, weed control, and trash collection.
• Perform all aspects of grounds and landscaping maintenance tasks and operate associated equipment.
• Safely operate and maintain handheld tools, small engine equipment, tow trailers, skid steers and other heavy equipment.
• Diagnose, repair and install irrigation equipment.
• Perform repairs and replacements of various types of fencing.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields, courts, and outdoor spaces for events and daily use.
• Provide support for events by coordinating setup, assisting during activities, and performing cleanup afterward, with flexibility for evening and weekend hours as required.
• Monitor and report grounds-related supplies and equipment needs.
• Work independently or collaboratively with departmental, district and/or contractor personnel to ensure the efficient operation and upkeep of all facilities.
• Facilitate snow and ice management operations using equipment and de-icing materials to maintain safe access.
• Maintain "on-call" status to respond to emergency and/or after-hour events such as snow/ice management or severe weather damage.
• Initiate requests and submit orders for supplies, materials, parts and tools following District purchasing procedures including obtaining quotes as needed from approved vendors.
• Use approved communication platforms and the district's work order system to promptly receive, initiate, track, complete, and close work orders and routinely monitor email and notifications for timely responses.
• Serve as a custodian floater to provide relief and maintain operations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required prior to start date.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License r equired prior to start date.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License required prior to start date.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years' experience in the operation and routine maintenance of common grounds equipment.
• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years' experience in landscape maintenance.
• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years' experience with snow and ice management and equipment.
• Ability to operate standard tools and grounds equipment within safety guidelines.
• Knowledge of plant material and the proper techniques for usage.
• Knowledge of irrigation equipment
• Knowledge of turfgrass science, sports field layout, maintenance, and construction.
• Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of playground equipment.
• Knowledge of fence material, installation and repair.
• Ability to take and pass the General Standards test of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide License program.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety procedures, equipment manuals, and other job-related materials; communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public; and accurately complete required documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adults, students and community members.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, climb stairs, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift in excess of 75 lbs. with proper technique.
• Ability to work safely from stepladder, aerial lifts, and/or scaffolding at varying heights, up to 40 ft.
• Ability to push/pull 100 pounds with proper technique.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather for prolonged periods.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month ESSO position.
• Salary and benefits are as established by the agreement between ESSO and the Board of Education.
• Flexibility in work days/hours and overtime may be necessary.
• A passing score of 70 percent or higher is required on the mandatory practical application test.
• The starting rate for this role is $24.44/hr.