GROUNDS KEEPER II

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking a Grounds Keeper II to maintain campus grounds and operate heavy maintenance equipment. The role requires physical labor and the ability to follow complex safety protocols while supporting the grounds crew in daily tasks.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent with at least two years of related experience. The position is full-time, on-site in Athens, with a typical schedule 6am–2:30pm and a starting salary of 38,000 USD per year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of related experience.
• Ability to operate grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers, and blowers.
• Knowledge of pesticides and weed control is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain turf and landscaping using major equipment specified for grounds maintenance.
• Assist in planning and organizing daily work; help direct the crew to meet timelines.
• Monitor safety, ensure PPE use, and train crew on proper maintenance techniques.
• Respond to campus emergencies during work hours and inclement weather events.
• Perform other grounds maintenance tasks including weed control and irrigation as needed.

Skills

Equipment operation

Reading instructions

Weather tolerance

Pesticide knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

GROUNDS KEEPER II

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Details Posting Number S15638P Working Title GROUNDS KEEPER II Department FMD-Grounds-Maintenance 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. About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information M-F 6am to 2:30pm Advertised Salary 38,000 Posting Date 08/20/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 09/27/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens 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] ).

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 Information

Classification Title Groundskeeper II FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00

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

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary This position is manual labor performing maintenance of grounds in assigned areas on campus. This employee safely operates various types of equipment associated with grounds maintenance and will likely operate more difficult machinery including riding mowers, tractor loaders, leaf trucks, and dump trucks. This employee assists and directs the crew in work completion, as well as, assists in the training of proper maintenance techniques and methods. This employee will follow and monitor safety protocols. This employee monitors the crew’s equipment. This employee will assist in other aspects of grounds maintenance including but not limited to weed control and irrigation. This employee will respond to campus emergencies during work hours including inclement weather events.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to operate all types of Grounds Maintenance equipment to include mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work under adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, etc.).
• Knowledge of pesticides and weed control.

Physical Demands

• Constant physical labor 8 hours a day/5 days a week.
• Extensive/constant stooping, bending, squatting and working with your hands above your head;
• lift up to 75 lbs. consistently throughout the work day.
• Driving as needed to perform job related tasks

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

Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds turf and landscaping by operating major equipment associated with grounds maintenance such as riding lawn mowers, backpack blowers, weed trimmers and edgers, dump trucks, leaf trucks, tractors, aerators, and tractor loaders
• Keep assigned grounds area professionally maintained.
• Assists in planning & organization of daily work
• Helps & directs the crew to stay on task to meet established timelines.
• Monitors assigned grounds area for maintenance and safety issues

Percentage of time 60

• Maintains and follows all safety guidelines, including but not limited to wearing and using PPE safety gear at all times, assists with monitoring crew for adherence to all safety guidelines.
• Assists in training employees in proper maintenance techniques and methods.
• monitors all equipment in crew’s use for servicing, repairs, maintenance, safety, and proper operating condition
• Responsible for crew’s equipment inventory

Percentage of time 20

• Mulching
• Insecticide, fungicide and herbicide applications in the assigned grounds area
• Irrigation (operating properly, set water times and locations, and reports any malfunctions in the irrigation system to the Irrigation Crew for immediate attention and/or repair)
• Weed control
• Trash patrol

Percentage of time 15

• Responds to campus emergencies during work hours including inclement weather events

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Shelly M Prescott Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail] Recruitment Contact Phone [phone]

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information