Grounds Worker

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Gloucester Point (VA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary is seeking a Grounds Worker to maintain campus landscapes, set up rooms and tents for events, and assist with storm restoration and snow removal. The role involves moving and storing furniture, operating basic grounds equipment, and lifting up to 50 lbs as part of daily tasks.

The position follows a 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekday schedule and requires teamwork, reliability, and basic pruning and tool-handling skills to support campus facilities operations.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of general landscape maintenance practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated skills in using and maintaining power and hand tools.
• Knowledge and skills with proper pruning practices in maintaining shrubbery.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to listen and understand oral and written instructions to execute assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to complete assigned daily tasks and undertake manual labor.
• Good interpersonal skills with the proven ability to work collaboratively as an effective team player.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the campus landscape and perform general grounds maintenance including beds, walkways, stairs, ramps, roads and parking lots.
• Operate heavy equipment and dig ditches or trenches.
• Removal of campus litter.
• Event setup: move furniture, arrange room layout and store items.
• Set up tents as needed and ensure setups are on schedule.
• Move equipment and furniture to storage or surplus area.
• Restore campus after storms and assist with snow/ice removal in coordination with Grounds Team.
• Respond to emergency tasks and work assignments as needed.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Power tools

Hand tools

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description Summary

The mission of William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service.

The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

Facilities Management enables the institute to carry out its mission of teaching, research and advisory service by providing cost effective and efficient planning, design, construction, maintenance, safety, and security services throughout Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

The Grounds Worker maintains the Virginia Institute of Marine Science's grounds through general grounds-keeping. Reporting to the Grounds Lead Worker, the Grounds Worker assists with social function set-ups and moving furniture and equipment.

• Maintains the campus landscape. General maintenance on plant and shrubbery beds, walkways, exterior stairs, ramps and roads and parking lots.
• Operates heavy equipment and digs ditches, trenches, etc. Responsible for campus litter removal.
• Sets up rooms by moving, arranging and properly storing furniture for special functions. Set up tents as needed and ensures set ups are completed on time according to schedule.
• Restores campus to good condition after a storm event. Collaborates with Grounds Team members to remove snow and ice on campus.
• Responds to emergency situations and task assignments on short notice.

Required Qualifications

Competencies:

• Basic knowledge of general landscape maintenance practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated skills in using and maintaining power and hand tools.
• Knowledge and skills with proper pruning practices in maintaining shrubbery.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to listen and understand oral and written instructions to execute assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to complete assigned daily tasks and undertake manual labor.
• Good interpersonal skills with the proven ability to work collaboratively as an effective team player.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Experience

• Experience working in a grounds position, particularly in maintaining shrubbery.
• Experience maintaining power and hand tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience in setting up for events (to include moving furniture and equipment).

Salary

Starting at $34,000, commensurate with experience.

Conditions of Employment

• This is a non-exempt position eligible to receive over-time in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards act and University policy.
• This position may be subject to over time during high peak times, upon approval from supervisor.
• This position is designated as essential to the operation of the department and will require reporting to work when the VIMS / University is officially closed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• The normal work schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• This position is designated as essential.

Job Duties

• General maintenance on plant and shrubbery beds, walkways, exterior stairs, ramps and roads and parking lots.
• Operate heavy equipment and digs ditches, trenches, etc.
• Removal of campus litter.
• Event Set -up: Set up rooms by moving, arranging and properly storing furniture for special functions.
• Set up tents as needed and ensures set ups are completed on time according to schedule.
• Move equipment and furniture. Place items in storage or surplus area.

Other responsibilities

• Restore campus to good condition after a storm event.
• Collaborate with Grounds Team members to remove snow and ice on campus.

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.