Grounds Gardener

Illinois State University; Normal, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 66,125,000 - 75,768,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement options

Tuition waiver available

Paid holidays

Paid benefit time

Job summary

Illinois State University is seeking a Grounds Gardener to assist in planting and maintaining ornamental horticulture across the campus and in greenhouses.

The role requires a high school diploma and 2 years of related experience, along with a valid IL driver's license and a pre-employment physical. Work hours are Tue–Sat from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a projected starting date in October 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of full time (or part time equivalent) experience in the maintenance of gardens, lawns, shrubs, or trees.
• Valid State of Illinois driver's license (see NOTE below).
• A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Responsibilities

• Assist in installing and maintaining ornamental horticulture plantings throughout campus and greenhouses.

Skills

Gardening

Lawn maintenance

Plant care

Manual dexterity

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Title: Grounds Gardener
Division Name: Finance and Planning
Department: Campus Services Division / Grounds

Job Summary

Assist in installing and maintaining ornamental horticulture plantings throughout campus and greenhouses.

Additional Information

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$24.08 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Two (2) years of full time (or part time equivalent) experience in the maintenance of gardens, lawns, shrubs, or trees.
3. Valid State of Illinois driver's license (see NOTE below).
4. A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Must acquire a Class C Non-CDL Driver's License within first five (5) months of employment for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Appropriate State of Illinois Pesticide license and knowledge of USEPA regulations regarding pesticide use and storage.
2. General understanding of greenhouse operations and ornamental horticulture plant(s) maintenance.
3. Ability to follow simple instructions and work as directed.
4. Ability to communicate with the general public as well as persons in the industry in a manner complimentary to the University.

Additional Desirable Attributes:

• Knowledge of garden design.
• Knowledge of floral design.

Work Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

Ability to stand for long periods of time; must be able to bend, twist, kneel or crouch for up to three hours at a time; manual dexterity for transplanting and floral design; Ability to lift 75 pounds.

Work Environment- Temperature can reach extremes in the summer months during planting and maintenance seasons. Work is performed both indoors and out.

Proposed Starting Date

October 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Special Instructions for Applicants

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

This position is represented by Local 1110.

Contact Information for Applicants

Colette Homan
Human Resources
309-438-8848
[e-mail]

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at [phone].