Grounds Keeper 1 - Benedict College

Austin Grill LLC; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality is seeking a Groundskeeper I to maintain campus outdoor areas, including lawns, walkways, and exterior spaces. This entry‑level role supports the grounds team in delivering a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Responsibilities include routine landscaping, equipment operation, and assisting with campus projects. Candidates should be able to work outdoors in varying weather and follow safety procedures.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or general maintenance experience.
• Ability to operate basic landscaping tools and equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine landscaping tasks including mowing, trimming, edging, raking, and weeding.
• Maintain lawns, shrubs, flower beds, trees, and general green spaces.
• Remove litter and debris from walkways and exterior areas.
• Assist with seasonal grounds work such as leaf removal and planting.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Operate basic tools

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Tools

Push mowers

Trimmers

Blowers

Job description

Overview

Thompson Facilities Services is hiring a Groundskeeper I is responsible for the routine care, maintenance, and appearance of campus outdoor areas, including lawns, landscaping, walkways, athletic fields, and exterior building surroundings. This entry-level role supports the grounds team in maintaining a clean, safe, and visually appealing campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Work is performed in alignment with Thompson Facilities Service standards for safety, quality, and campus pride.

Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance

• Perform routine landscaping tasks including mowing, trimming, edging, raking, and weeding
• Maintain lawns, shrubs, flower beds, trees, and general green spaces
• Remove litter, debris, and snow/ice from walkways, entrances, and exterior areas
• Assist with seasonal grounds work such as leaf removal and planting

Campus Appearance & Safety

• Ensure sidewalks, parking areas, and building exteriors are clean and safe
• Report safety hazards, maintenance issues, or damage to supervisors
• Assist in snow and ice removal operations during inclement weather

Equipment Operation & Care

• Operate basic grounds equipment such as push mowers, trimmers, blowers, and hand tools
• Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of assigned equipment
• Follow all safety procedures when operating machinery

Support to Grounds Team

• Assist higher-level grounds staff with landscaping projects and campus improvements
• Follow instructions from Grounds Supervisor or Lead Groundskeeper
• Support setup or cleanup for campus events as needed

Safety & Compliance

• Follow OSHA safety guidelines and campus safety policies
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Report unsafe conditions immediately to supervision

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or general maintenance experience
• Ability to operate basic landscaping tools and equipment
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in campus, institutional, or commercial grounds maintenance
• Familiarity with landscaping tools and basic horticulture practices
• Experience with snow removal operations

Work Environment

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Physical labor includes walking, bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods
• Early morning, evening, or weekend shifts may be required during peak seasons
• This is an essential position which may require work during inclement weather

Who We Are:

The Facilities Division of Thompson Hospitality provides comprehensive facility management and support services tailored to corporate, educational, and government clients. The division specializes in custodial and janitorial services, building maintenance, groundskeeping, engineering support, and integrated facilities management solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and maintain safe, clean environments. Known for its commitment to service excellence, workforce development, and diversity, Thompson Hospitality’s Facilities Division combines industry expertise with customer-focused strategies to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that support clients’ core missions.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 34 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.