Grounds Foreman I

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Grounds Foreman I to oversee maintenance of the State Botanic Garden of Georgia, including grounds, trails, irrigation, and related infrastructure. You will supervise garden staff and volunteers, ensuring safe, efficient operations and adherence to university policies.

Reporting to the Director of Horticulture and Grounds, you will coordinate with campus personnel, manage seasonal tasks, and uphold the garden's standards for aesthetics, safety,

Qualifications

• Experience with landscape maintenance techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and landscape chemicals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscape plantings, turf areas, hard surfaces, irrigation systems, and fencing.
• Manage trail volunteers and oversee garden tool and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Plant knowledge

Collaborative work

Job description

Job Details

Working Title: Grounds Foreman I

Department: PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

College/Unit/Department Website: https://botgarden.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F 8am-5pm
Occasional weekends and weeknights for special events (i.e. Spring Plant Sale)

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 09/23/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/02/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for care and maintenance of the grounds and nature trails at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The responsibilities of the work of this position includes maintaining landscape plantings, turf areas and hard surfaces, irrigation systems, fencing, overseeing trail volunteer operations/ tasks, and all Garden tools and equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Garden's Director of Horticulture and Grounds.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Considerable knowledge of materials, equipment, tools, methods, and techniques used in Garden maintenance and repairs.
• Knowledge of plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in grounds work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective/ collaborative working relationships with university employees and work with university students.

Physical Demands

• Working in Inclement weather (extreme hot and/or cold, rain, etc)
• Occasionally lifting +50 lbs., lifting 25 lbs. repeatedly
• Performance of manual labor
• Duties associated with landscaping.
• Driving as necessary to complete job duties

Additional Details

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card Policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Responsibilities – 30% of time

• Maintain landscape plantings along entrance roads, parking lots, woodland edges, and at Horticulture maintenance facility.
• Assist garden curators as needed with Garden maintenance. Maintenance includes weeding, pruning, pest control, leaf and litter removal, and mulching and fertilizing.
• Assist garden curators with the maintenance all turf areas and hard surfaces within the Garden including streets, patios, driveways, paths, parking areas, and building entrances.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of all irrigation systems and fencing.
• Adhere to all regulations for occupational and chemical safety under Worker protection Standard (WPS) and OHSA.
• Obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicators license/s.
• Complete all other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities – 30% of time

• Work with grounds team members to manage all aspects of the Garden's trail systems.
• Assist in removal of downed trees, brush growth, debris, and public hazards from trails.
• Perform measures to stem erosion, improve trail signs and markings, and implement trail relocations.

Responsibilities – 20% of time

• General upkeep and routine maintenance of all Garden tools, shop tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Maintain facilities and work areas in neat and orderly fashion.
• Keep all work areas clean and weed‑free.

Responsibilities – 10% of time

• Work closely with Director of Horticulture & Grounds in procurement of necessary supplies and equipment.
• Communicate needs and/or problems among staff under your supervision.
• Assist Horticulturist and Groundskeepers in achieving departmental goals.

Responsibilities – 10% of time

• Supervise and train Part time/ student employees and trail volunteers.
• Participate in Garden's public service and educational programs.
• Serves as a liaison to horticultural associations.
• Assist other grounds/horticulture staff in their duties and responsibilities.
• Help with installation of major displays at the Garden and with booths at trade and flower shows.
• Assist with the set‑up and break down of equipment used for in‑house events and programs.