Grounds Worker

The College of New Jersey; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental plans

Leave entitlements

Tuition waiver and reimbursement

Pension and retirement plans

EAP

Discount program

Learning opportunities

Job summary

The College of New Jersey in Trenton, NJ seeks a Grounds Worker for the Department of Facilities & Administrative Services. This full‑time role performs grounds maintenance, soil and seed preparation, mowing, shrub pruning, planting, and the proper use of tractors and hand tools to keep campus grounds safe and attractive.

Responsibilities include snow removal, ice control, and responding to emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods used to plan, lay out, and perform lawn and grounds maintenance work.
• Ability to properly use equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, and to train patients and inmates in their proper handling and maintenance.
• Ability to perform propagation of trees, shrubbery, and perennial plants, and to direct the pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, mowing of lawns, and trimming of hedges.
• Employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; may lift up to 60 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain institutional grounds: soil prep, seeds, weeds, waters, cuts and trims lawns; prune shrubs; plant and transplant shrubs; remove dirt and debris.
• Ensure proper use of mowing and trimming equipment; report unsafe conditions and assist in snow removal and emergency situations.
• Operate garden tools and equipment safely; assist with road and parking area maintenance and general grounds upkeep.

Skills

Lawn maintenance knowledge

Equipment handling

Tree and shrub pruning

Manual lifting ability

Job description

State Title: Grounds Worker Bargaining Unit: IFPTE Employment Type: Full-time, 40 hours a week Internal salary: Range 10: $40,321.62 - $57,948.52 External salary: Range 10: $40,321.62 - $45,609.69, Steps 1 -4 UNION POSITIONS: The internal salary range is used for applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying classified status for promotional calculations who meet the requirements below. The external salary range is used for candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements below.

About TCNJ

Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1 in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a model for public higher education.

Position Overview

The Department of Facilities & Administrative Services is a large operational service organization that provides a broad array of services to the campus community through the following offices: Access Control Services, Automotive Services, Building Services, Energy & Central Utilities, Facilities Operations, Grounds & Landscape Maintenance Services, Mailing & Receiving Services, Occupational Safety and Environmental Services, and Risk Management Services. Under the direction of the Head Grounds Worker, the Grounds Worker conducts the duties and responsibilities of varied maintenance tasks of grounds.

Responsibilities

Performs duties and responsibilities involved in the work of the maintenance of institutional grounds, including but not limited to the preparation of soil, seeds, weeds, waters, cuts and trims lawns; Sprays, prunes, and trims shrubs; Plants, transplants, and thins shrubs; Removes dirt, rubbish, snow, leaves and other refuse and helps in the maintenance of roads, lawns, shed, benches, and parking areas; Make sure equipment, materials, and supplies including tractors, grass cutters, scythes, hoes, rakes, sprinklers, sheers, spraying devices, seeders, and other garden and grounds keeping equipment and tools are used properly. Reports unfamiliar incidents and happenings or conditions on the grounds, and takes those steps required to ensure safe, orderly conditions. Conducts snow removal, ice control, and/or is available for other emergency situations, day or night, as required. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required

Knowledge of methods used to plan, lay out, and perform lawn and grounds maintenance work. Ability to properly use equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, and to train patients and inmates in their proper handling and maintenance. Ability to perform the tasks necessary for the propagation of trees, shrubbery, and perennial plants, and to direct the pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, mowing of lawns, and trimming of hedges. Employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and move up to 60 pounds. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact [e-mail].

Primary Location: Maintenance Building - Grounds & Landscape Scvs

Work Locations

Maintenance Building - Grounds & Landscape Scvs (Maintenance Building - Grounds & Landscape Scvs) 2000 Pennington Rd Ewing Township, 08628

Job: Staff

Organization: The College of New Jersey

Job Posting: Aug 6, 2026, 9:22:40 AM