Grounds Worker - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan & Tuition Waivers

Job summary

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Grounds Worker to maintain campus grounds, operate a range of mowing and landscape equipment, and support snow removal during winter events. The role emphasizes safe work habits and collaboration with the Facilities & Services team.

Starting salary is $19.49/hour with a progression to $26.62/hour after 12 months. This is a full-time Civil Service position based in Champaign-Urbana, with benefits and stability typical of state systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six (6) months experience in grounds maintenance or related work.
• Valid/current driver’s license as required by Illinois for the vehicle type.

Responsibilities

• Mow assigned areas and maintain mowing equipment.
• Operate and maintain ~15 kinds of motorized grounds equipment.
• Aerate, fertilize, weed control, irrigate, seed and sod lawns.
• Maintain shrubs, beds, and ornamental plantings; mulch and prune.
• Remove leaves, debris, and snow; ensure safe handling of hazards.

Skills

Grounds equipment operation

Lawn/tree/shrub care

Pesticide knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

RTV/ride-on mowers/leaf vacuums

Skid steers and sprayers

Job description

Grounds Worker - Facilities & Services

Job Summary

Under direct supervision from a designated Sub-Foreperson, maintain the appearance and upkeep of campus by performing grounds maintenance such as planting, transplanting, mulching, fertilizing, spraying, watering, weeding, pruning, mowing lawns, collecting leaves, debris and litter from the ground and otherwise tending to lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants and snow removal from sidewalks, bike paths and ADA ramps.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Mowing assigned areas, maintaining mowing equipment, and giving instruction providing direction to extra/seasonal help.
• Operate and maintain approximately 15 kinds of motorized equipment such as RTV's, riding mowers, small tractors, leaf vacuums and blowers, skid steers, stump grinders, chippers and sprayers.
• Aerate, fertilize, apply weed control, irrigate, renovate, seed and sod campus lawn areas.
• Shrub, annual and perennial bed maintenance such as planting, watering, pruning, weeding and mulching.
• Collect and remove campus leaves, litter and debris.
• Remove snow, apply brine, salt and/or sand for ice removal on sidewalks, bike paths and ADA ramps.
• Clear debris from surface drains.
• Responsible for safe working habits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• May work in extreme weather conditions.
• Must be aware of potential danger from moving parts and equipment.
• May be exposed to dust, loud noise, pesticides, and potentially dangerous equipment.
• May work in temperature extremes ranging from freezing weather to high heat/humidity.
• Lifting (minimum of 50 pounds), bending, digging and sustained walking and standing.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

1. Work is assigned through the Work Management Group, Service office, Foreperson/Sub-Foreperson, or via the Director of Building Maintenance & Grounds or his Designee. The Grounds Worker is responsible for ensuring the work or projects are completed properly in accord with statutes and codes in a safe and timely manner. The Grounds Worker is expected to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services.

2. Interacts with campus customers, supervision, peers and other F&S employees.

3. The workload associated with the position can be stressful at times.

4. Work may include overtime as required, especially during emergency events and critical times such as snow removal, commencement, and back to school.

5. Use of Personal Protective Equipment is required when hazards exist.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or combination totaling six (6) months from the categories below:
   1. Coursework or vocational training in horticulture, landscaping, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
   2. Fifteen (15) semester hours equals six (6) months
   3. Work experience in grounds maintenance, landscape maintenance, nursery, agriculture work, grounds construction, and/or tending to lawns, turfs, trees, flowers, bushes or other shrubberies, ornamental plants, and other grounds-related work.
3. Valid/current driver's license as required by the State of Illinois for the type of motor vehicle(s) to be operated.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Ability to obtain pesticide operator's license as required by state law within six months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of use/capabilities of grounds equipment and tools.
• Basic knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, annual and perennial care.
• Basic knowledge of pesticide mixing and application.
• Ability to work routinely with grounds related construction or maintenance.
• Ability and willingness to work as directed.
• Knowledge of safe practices, organizational policies and rules.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2015 - Grounds Worker position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/7/2026. Starting salary is $19.49/hour and increases to $26.62/hour after 12 months. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Champaign-Urbana