Groundskeeper

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is hiring for a Grounds Maintenance role within the OPS Facilities Landscape Services Shop. You will transport materials and maintain campus grounds to meet university standards, including turf care, pruning, mowing, and seasonal renovations.

The job requires physical capability, ability to operate landscaping equipment, and adherence to safety procedures; a valid driver’s license is required and pesticide licensing within six months may be necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years related experience or equivalent required.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s license within six months preferred.
• Current valid driver’s license required.
• Irrigation system experience preferred.
• Apprenticeship program completion preferred.

Responsibilities

• Weeds turf areas, ground cover, and flowerbeds.
• Prunes trees and shrubs; maintains turf areas.
• Mows, trims, rakes leaves and removes debris.
• Performs renovations: seeding, sodding, mulch installation.
• Operates all mechanized equipment and drives university vehicles.
• Assists in special events and supports safety protocols.
• Maintains tools and helps train new staff.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Tree and shrub pruning

Lawn mowing

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Horticulture degree preferred

Job description

Department

OPS Facilities Landscape Services Shop

About the Department

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors and visitors.

Job Information

Job Summary:

Transport materials and/or equipment and perform duties consistent with the maintenance of the grounds and campus landscape areas in accordance with University standards and procedures for University buildings or properties.

Responsibilities:

• Weeds turf areas, ground cover, and flowerbeds.
• Prunes trees and shrubs.
• Mows and trims turf areas, rakes and removes leaves; inspects areas keeps them free of trash and debris.
• Performs landscape renovations such as seeding, sodding, mulch installation, and small tree removal.
• Removes snow from walks, drives, parking lots, steps and building entrances. Applies anti-icing and de-icing compounds to paved areas.
• Picks up items such as rubbish, furniture or equipment and transports to specified destination for delivery or disposal.
• Works with garbage contractor to complete the removal of garbage and debris from University sites.
• Empties garbage cans throughout campus and disposes of bags at designated University site.
• Operates all mechanized equipment consistent with the maintenance of grounds.
• Drives all University supplied vehicles.
• Assists in special events.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to ground sprinklers, boxes, and heads.
• Maintains shop supplied power tools, hand tools, and equipment.
• Helps introduce new employees to shop protocol, procedures and campus applications and equipment.
• Requisitions materials and supplies using in-house procedures as needed. Keeps working area safe and clean.
• Wears and/or uses appropriate safety equipment.
• Uses computers to enter and access job related information.
• Undertakes training related to job duties as deemed necessary by the University.
• Performs related job duties as may be assigned.

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) from an accredited institution, required.
• College degree in horticulture, landscape services or related degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of position-related education and experience is required.
• Completion of job-related apprenticeship program is preferred.
• Background working on irrigation systems preferred.

Certifications:

• Current valid driver’s license and successfully complete the University’s Motor Vehicle Record Check process required.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s license within six months of employment required.
• Other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Access computer programs and use or learn basic computer operations related to position requirements.
• Read and interpret documents.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Perform mathematical functions relevant to the position.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Advanced job-related training programs is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as required, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures.

Pay Rate:

• $30.68 per hour.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 References Contact Information

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$24.41 - $30.68

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Posting Date

2026-10-01

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.