Grounds Keeper II - Benedict College

Thompson Hospitality Corp.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality is seeking a Groundskeeper II to maintain campus exterior areas, operate light to heavy landscaping equipment, and support campus-wide projects. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and independent performance to uphold Thompson Facilities Service standards.

The position requires 2–4 years in groundskeeping or related fields, with experience operating commercial landscaping equipment and a strong focus on reliability and detail in a campus environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or facilities maintenance experience.
• Experience operating commercial landscaping and/or light construction equipment required.
• Ability to safely operate heavy grounds equipment in public or campus environments.
• Basic knowledge of turf care, landscaping practices, and equipment maintenance.
• Strong reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and semi-skilled landscaping tasks including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, mulching, and planting.
• Maintain lawns, athletic fields, shrubbery, trees, and campus green spaces.
• Execute seasonal grounds work including leaf removal, aeration, fertilization support, and storm cleanup.
• Maintain cleanliness of sidewalks, entrances, and exterior building surroundings.
• Operate a variety of heavy and large-scale ground equipment, including mowers, tractors, loaders, skid steers, dump trailers, and leaf vacuums.
• Safely transport materials, mulch, soil, debris, and equipment across campus.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and pre-use inspections on all assigned equipment.
• Report mechanical issues and ensure equipment is properly cleaned and stored.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Landscaping

Facilities maintenance

Independent work

Safety awareness

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Front-end loaders

Skid steers

Dump trailers

Leaf vacuums

Snow removal equipment

Job description

Overview

Thompson Facilities Services is hiring a Groundskeeper II who is responsible for performing skilled grounds maintenance work to ensure campus exterior areas are safe, clean, and visually well maintained. This position performs more advanced landscaping duties than Groundskeeper I, including independent work, operation of larger equipment, and support of campus-wide grounds projects. This role supports institutional standards for safety, appearance, and service excellence aligned with Thompson Facilities Service standards for safety, quality, and campus pride.

Responsibilities

Advanced Grounds Maintenance

• Perform routine and semi-skilled landscaping tasks including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, mulching, and planting
• Maintain lawns, athletic fields, shrubbery, trees, and campus green spaces
• Execute seasonal grounds work including leaf removal, aeration, fertilization support, and storm cleanup
• Maintain cleanliness of sidewalks, entrances, and exterior building surroundings

Equipment Operation (Light & Heavy Equipment)

• Operate a variety of heavy and large-scale ground equipment, which may include:
  • Riding and zero-turn commercial mowers
  • Compact tractors and utility tractors
  • Front-end loaders or skid steers (as assigned and trained)
  • Dump trailers, leaf vacuums, and debris loaders
  • Snow plows, salt spreaders, and related winter operations equipment
• Safely transport materials, mulch, soil, debris, and equipment across campus
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and pre-use inspections on all assigned equipment
• Report mechanical issues and ensure equipment is properly cleaned and stored

Campus Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA safety standards and campus safety procedures
• Operate equipment safely in high-traffic pedestrian campus environments
• Identify and report hazards such as uneven walkways, drainage issues, or damaged landscaping
• Support snow and ice removal operations, including early mornings, nights, or emergency response

Project & Team Support

• Assist with campus landscaping projects, renovations, and improvement initiatives
• Support Groundskeeper I staff and provide informal guidance when needed
• Assist with event setup and breakdown affecting outdoor spaces
• Work collaboratively with supervisors to complete priority assignments efficiently

Quality & Appearance Standards

• Ensure all assigned campus areas meet established appearance and maintenance standards
• Follow direction from supervisors while maintaining strong independent work performance
• Contribute to overall campus curb appeal a nd environmental safety

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of groundskeeping, landscaping, or facilities maintenance experience
• Experience operating commercial landscaping and/or light construction equipment required
• Ability to safely operate heavy grounds equipment in public or campus environments
• Basic knowledge of turf care, landscaping practices, and equipment maintenance
• Strong reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating skid steers, compact tractors, or similar equipment in a commercial or campus setting
• Snow removal and winter operations experience
• Institutional, university, or large property grounds experience
• OSHA or equipment safety training

Work Environment

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Exposure to heavy equipment, noise, and physically demanding tasks
• May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and emergency response during weather events or campus needs
• 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.