Groundskeeper

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Groundskeeper to transport materials and perform duties ensuring campus landscape areas meet University standards and procedures. Responsibilities include weed control, pruning, mowing, pruning shrubs, and performing landscape renovations.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, with two years of related experience and a valid driver’s license. Pesticide licensing within six months is required; background check will be conducted.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; college degree in horticulture/landscape preferred.
• Two years related experience required; apprenticeship preferred.
• Illinois pesticide operator license within six months and valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Weeds turf areas, ground cover, and flowerbeds.
• Prunes trees and shrubs.
• Mows and trims turf areas; rakes leaves and removes trash.
• Performs landscape renovations: seeding, sodding, mulch installation, small tree removal.
• Removes snow; applies anti-icing/de-icing compounds.
• Transports items and disposes of waste.
• Operates all grounds equipment and University vehicles.
• Assists in special events and training new staff.
• Maintains sprinklers, boxes, heads; tools and equipment.

Skills

Computer literacy

Reading & documents

English communication

Math skills

Problem solving

Advanced training

Education

GED or better

Horticulture degree preferred

Two years related experience

Apprenticeship preferred

Irrigation background preferred

Job description

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

Pay Rate: $30.68 per hour

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$24.41 - $30.68

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

Benefits

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

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

Job is Exempt

Job is Exempt

Drug Test Required

No Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

No Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Background Check

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.

Security Report

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety 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.

AI Recruitment Statement

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