GROUNDS KEEPER III

University of Georgia; Ohio; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Grounds Keeper III to operate major grounds maintenance equipment and supervise daily crew assignments. You will ensure safety, manage mulching, trash pickup, and weed control while coordinating with the Grounds Foreman on irrigation issues and emergencies.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and about 5 years of related experience, with the ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain equipment in good working order.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5 years of related experience preferred.
• Ability to operate sprayers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, leaf trucks, and tractors.

Responsibilities

• Operate major grounds maintenance equipment.
• Lead in organizing crews and coordinating daily assignments.
• Weed control in landscape beds and assist with irrigation systems.

Skills

Operate grounds maintenance equipment

Follow instructions

Plant identification & turf knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

GROUNDS KEEPER III

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 Number S15900P

Working Title GROUNDS KEEPER III

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

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 8am -2:30pm Advertised Salary 42,000 Posting Date 10/13/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/08/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement 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 III FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary Operates major equipment associated with grounds maintenance including, sprayers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, leaf trucks, and tractors. Assist in organizing crews and coordinating assignments for daily work to include mulching, trash pick-up . Weed control in landscape beds. Works with crew members to accomplish daily assignments; guides crew members according to guidelines for each activity. Ensure all crew equipment is working properly and being serviced on a regular basis and repaired as needed. Serve as role model for crew members on proper maintenance techniques and methods. Promote proper wearing and utilization of all PPE safety gear by crew members while working. Work closely with the crew to coordinate herbicide applications in the area. Ensure that irrigation utilized in the area is working appropriately at all times and report any malfunctions in the irrigation system for immediate attention and repair to Grounds Foremen. Assist in addressing grounds emergencies that arise to maintain safety of campus community.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to operate all types of Grounds Maintenance equipment to include sprayers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, leaf trucks, and tractors.
• Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Plant Identification and Turf knowledge

Physical Demands

• Physical labor 8 hours a day/5 days a week.
• Extensive stooping, bending, squatting and working with hands above head.
• Move up to 75 lbs. consistently throughout the day.
• Perform heavy labor often under adverse climatic conditions (cold, rain, heat).
• Driving as needed to complete job 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

• Operates major equipment associated with grounds maintenance including, sprayers, edgers, weed eaters, blowers, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, leaf trucks, and tractors.
• Lead in organizing crews and coordinating assignments for daily work to include mulching, trash pick-up .
• Weed control in landscape beds.
• Works with crew members to accomplish daily assignments, guides crew members according to guidelines for each activity.

Percentage of time 40

• Ensure all crew equipment is working properly and being serviced on a regular basis and repaired as needed.
• Supervise crew members in proper maintenance techniques and methods.

Percentage of time 20

• Promote proper wearing and utilization of all PPE safety gear by crew members while working.

Percentage of time 20

• Oversee the crew to coordinate herbicide applications in the area.
• Ensure that irrigation utilized in the area is always working appropriately and report any malfunctions in the irrigation system for immediate attention and repair to Grounds Foremen.

Percentage of time 15

• Assist in addressing grounds emergencies that arise to maintain safety of campus community.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

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
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents