Grounds Maintenance Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a grounds person for the Facilities Management department. The role involves maintaining and improving university grounds, operating light‑ and heavy‑equipment, supporting special events, and collaborating with Operators and Trades personnel on projects.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, lawn care, snow removal, irrigation setup, safety compliance, and reporting hazards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• At least one year of landscaping or groundskeeping experience.
• Experience operating light-duty equipment such as pickup trucks and riding mowers.

Responsibilities

• Operate light-duty equipment such as pickup trucks (with or without plows), utility work machines, and riding lawn mowers.
• Operate hand-held tools including weed trimmers/edgers, leaf blowers, air compressors, and snow blowers.
• Maintain and lightly service equipment—oil changes, greasing, filter changes, fluid level checks, tire inflation.
• Support sidewalk and roadway maintenance, pavement patching, signage installation, snow removal, and sand/salt treatment.
• Set up and position irrigation hoses and sprinklers where required.
• Apply seed, fertilizer, and soil amendments; perform lawn mowing; trim, remove, and plant trees; rake and collect leaves.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Assist Operators and Trades personnel with maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Coordinate project work assignments and ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Maintain housekeeping, sanitation, and safety in assigned areas.
• Report safety concerns to supervisor.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety knowledge and practices to all work.

Skills

Independent work

Equipment operation

Safety-minded

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license

Job description

Michigan Technological University is seeking a grounds person for the Facilities Management department. The role involves maintaining and improving university grounds, operating light‑ and heavy‑equipment, supporting special events, and collaborating with Operators and Trades personnel on projects.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, lawn care, snow removal, irrigation setup, safety compliance, and reporting hazards.