Grounds Foreman I - Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking a Grounds Foreman I for the Coastal Botanical Gardens in Savannah. The role involves maintaining site grounds, operating mowers and related equipment, and supervising crew activities.

Typical schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience, with knowledge of grounds maintenance and mechanical work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of related experience.
• Competencies in grounds maintenance, manual, and mechanical work.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain site grounds, including various types of gardens, according to maintenance schedules and policies and procedures.
• Major responsibility is care and maintenance of equipment, grass areas, shrubs, trees, and other plants.
• Perform maintenance and repair of equipment as needed.
• Work under direction of supervisor, with some independent judgement, and subject to periodic review for results obtained and adherence to departmental policies.
• Assists in planning, assigning, and scheduling grounds crews engaged in the construction, maintenance, and care of site grass areas, shrubs, trees, and other plants. Demonstrates and teaches proper work methods and techniques to employees as directed by supervisor. Supervises volunteer labor as needed.
• Prepares various reports and performs related work as necessary.
• Maintains inventories of pesticides, fertilizers, plants, and various grounds items.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Manual labor

Mechanical work

Driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15977P

Working Title: Grounds Foreman I - Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Department: CAES-Coastal Botanical Gardens

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.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Advertised Salary: $36,000, Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 10/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/22/2026

Location of Vacancy: Savannah Area

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]).

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 Information

Classification Title: Groundskeeper II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary: This is a manual, laboring, grounds position operating mowers, lawn edgers, backpack blowers, and other hand held equipment. Job also includes maintenance on the equipment, buildings as assigned and necessary record keeping.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Competencies in grounds maintenance, manual, and mechanical work.

Physical Demands:

• Perform manual labor, including lifting, pushing, pulling regardless of weather conditions\
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

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? Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

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.

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Maintain site grounds, including various types of gardens, according to maintenance schedules and policies and procedures. Major responsibility is care and maintenance of equipment, grass areas, shrubs, trees, and other plants. Perform maintenance and repair of equipment as needed. Work is performed under direction of supervisor, with some independent judgement, and subject to periodic review for results obtained and adherence to departmental policies.

Percentage of time: 75

Assists in planning, assigning, and scheduling grounds crews engaged in the construction, maintenance, and care of of site grass areas, shrubs, trees, and other plants. Demonstrates and teaches proper work methods and techniques to employees as directed by supervisor. Supervises volunteer labor as needed.

Percentage of time: 10

Prepares various reports and performs related work as necessary.

Percentage of time: 10

Maintains inventories of pesticides, fertilizers, plants, and various grounds items.

Percentage of time: 5