Groundskeeper

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chesterbrook (PA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a Grounds Keeper to maintain campus grounds and ensure safety, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in grounds-related services and a commitment to the university's Christian mission.

The position involves mowing, trimming, and maintaining the grounds, operating landscape equipment, and working with students. A valid driver's license and ability to work unsupervised are necessary.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in professional grounds-related services.
• Ability to work unsupervised and perform tasks for a minimum of eight hours per day.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, and maintain campus grounds for safety and aesthetics.
• Assist with maintenance of athletic fields.
• Operate and maintain all necessary equipment.

Skills

Landscape equipment operation

General service work on equipment

Grounds maintenance

Pruning

Pesticide application

Tools

Lawn equipment

Chainsaw

Chipper

Job description

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. Our main campus is located in St. Davids, PA; many programs are also offered online. Our core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of our educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

The Grounds Keeper reports to the Grounds Manager & Small Project Assistant and maintains and cares for the campus grounds with an emphasis on safety and aesthetics, environmental consciousness, and best management practices.

Position Responsibilities

1. Mowing, trimming, weeding, leaf collecting, pruning, fertilization, irrigating/watering, and all other duties assigned to maintain the campus in a well‑manicured manner.
2. Snow removal and all related aspects such as plowing, salting, and shoveling.
3. Assists with the maintenance of the athletic fields to ensure aesthetics, safety, and all related aspects including fertilizing, mowing, aerating, seed seeding, top‑dressing, drag and/or grooming the fields.
4. Prune and maintain trees, shrubs and plantings in an aesthetic manner to allow for full growth and beauty.
5. General maintenance of the campus grounds landscape including application of fertilizers and pesticides, trash and litter debris removal and collection.
6. Maintain proper tree/branch and shrubbery clearances from buildings and from electrical and communication wires to preserve operation.
7. Operate and maintain all equipment necessary for this position.
8. Work with student employees as necessary.
9. Assist other trades within Plant Operations as directed.
10. Assist other departments as directed with office and furniture moves and event set‑ups.
11. Embody values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation.
12. Seek to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect, fostering unity and harmony.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with the university's mission and be willing to support its vision.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in professional grounds‑related services.
• Pesticide and fertilizer certification preferred but not required; ability to obtain is required.
• Tree climbing experience preferred but not required.
• Familiar with installation and transplanting of plant materials.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to operate all types of landscape equipment (lawn equipment, chipper, chainsaw, snow plugs, etc.).
• Ability to perform general service work on equipment to maintain proper operation (oil changes, grease fittings, blade changes, string replacement).
• Ability to perform tasks associated with general landscaping and grounds (pruning, mowing, aerating, seed seeding, planting, digging).
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Ability to report to work and perform required duties for a minimum of eight (8) hours per day.
• Understanding of and support for the University’s Christian mission.

ADA Requirements

• Frequently move, transport, lift, push/pull and maneuver up to 75 lbs.
• Frequently walk, stoop, kneel, climb, crawl, crouch and bend.
• Frequently reach and work overhead.
• Fine hand manipulation.
• Perform duties in tight confines.
• Detect and locate leaks; differentiate odors such as gas, diesel fuel, oil, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizer.
• Visually detect and discern needed materials to perform work as described.
• Respond to and initiate verbal communications.
• Diagnose by careful listening.
• Differentiate by touch (hot / cold).

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam‑era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University‑administered programs, or employment practices and programs.