Grounds Keeper - Rock Eagle - Temporary

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Temporary Grounds Keeper at Rock Eagle 4-H Center to maintain grounds, ensure safety, and assist with general maintenance. Duties include operating heavy equipment, trash collection, and assisting with building setup and breakdown.

Qualifications include experience with lawn care equipment and chemical spraying, plus knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Qualifications

• Familiar with lawn mowers, weed trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and backpack sprayers.
• Experience with mixing and spraying chemicals, including weed killers and insecticides.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and propane gas systems.
• Dependable, courteous, and possesses good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate lawnmowers, edgers, and weed whackers – 35%
• Operate backpack blowers to blow roads, sidewalks, roofs, and gutters – 25%
• Trash pickup around center; removal of downed trees and limbs – 15%
• Pruning and trimming bushes, shrubs, trees; spray herbicides – 15%
• Assist with general maintenance in plumbing, AV, electrical, painting, HVAC – 10%
• Additional duties: mowing, edging, landscaping, roof work, and related tasks as needed.

Skills

Lawn care

Chemical spraying

HVAC knowledge

Plumbing knowledge

Communication skills

Tools

Lawn mowers

Backpack sprayers

Chainsaws

Job description

Job Title and Location

Grounds Keeper – Rock Eagle – Temporary – Rock Eagle 4‑H Center

Position Summary

Temporary service/maintenance position responsible for maintaining grounds, ensuring safety, and performing general maintenance around the center. Key duties include operating heavy equipment, managing trash and debris, and assisting with building set up and breakdown.

Responsibilities

• Operate lawnmowers, edgers, and weed whackers – 35%
• Operate backpack blowers to blow roads, sidewalks, roofs, and gutters – 25%
• Trash pickup around center. Removal of downed trees and limbs – 15%
• Pruning and trimming of bushes, shrubs, trees; spraying herbicides to control weeds – 15%
• Assist with general maintenance in plumbing, AV, electrical, painting, HVAC – 10%

Additional duties: Mowing grass with zero‑turn, stand‑up, walk‑behind and push‑type lawnmowers; weed‑eating turf edges; edging curbs, roads, sidewalks; trimming trees and bushes; picking up, grinding limbs; using a Brush Bandit chipper; stacking rip‑rap stone and landscaping rock; spreading pine straw, wheat straw, grass seed; lining and painting football fields; operating chainsaws; climbing rooftops with ladder to blow off roofs and clean gutters; spraying chemicals for weed and insect control; assisting with center trash collection and building set up/breakdowns.

Qualifications

Familiar with all types of lawn mowers, weed trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and backpack sprayers. Experience with mixing and spraying chemicals, including weed killers and insecticides. Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and propane gas systems. Dependable, courteous, and possesses good communication skills.

Physical Demands

Works in extreme weather conditions; performs roof work and ladder climbs; drives as needed for job tasks.

Security and Trust

• Position of Trust: Yes
• Direct interaction or care of children under 18: Yes
• Security Access (public safety, IT security, personnel records, chemical access): Yes
• Driving required: Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background check, credential verification, and reference checks. Eligibility for employment may also be contingent upon satisfactory credit check and, if applicable, a pre‑employment drug test for high‑risk responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 at [e-mail].

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact: Jon Miller – [e-mail]