Groundskeeper

Mississippi-University-For-Women; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS, is seeking a groundskeeper to maintain university grounds, cut lawns, edge walkways, prune shrubs, and perform seasonal duties.

The role involves operating mowing equipment, handling fertilizers and pesticides, and supporting event setups. A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license are required; applicants must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Entry-level groundskeeping knowledge with basic employment skills.
• High school diploma or GED required; certification preferred.
• Must have ability to perform tasks efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of materials, tools and techniques of the trade.

Responsibilities

• Cuts lawns and trims edges around walks, beds, and walls.
• Prunes shrubs and trees to shape growth and remove damaged parts.
• Rakes and bags leaves; cleans grounds and removes litter.
• Shovels snow and spreads salt to prevent ice buildup.
• Plants grass, flowers, trees and shrubs; waters lawns and trees.
• Operates mowing equipment (walking and riding) and performs routine maintenance.
• Distributes seed, fertilizer, and pesticides; transports tools and materials to job site.
• Supports Resources Management department during off-season and as needed.
• Performs other reasonable duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic groundskeeping skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certification preferred

Tools

Valid driver’s license

Knowledge of trade materials/tools

Job description

Proposed Annual Salary, Hourly Rate or One-time payment

• Cuts lawns.
• Trims and edges around walks, flower beds, and walls.
• Prunes shrubs and trees to shape and improve growth or remove damaged leaves, branches, or twigs.
• Rakes and bags leaves.
• Cleans grounds and removes litter.
• Shovels snow from walks and driveways.
• Spreads salt on public passage ways to prevent ice buildup
• Plants grass , flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Waters lawn and shrubs and trees.
• Cleans out drainage ditches and culverts
• Operates walking and riding type self -propelled mowers.
• Performs daily maintenance on machinery used.
• Pierces soil to make holes for fertilizer and water. Aerates soil with slicer.
• Distributes seed , fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides on lawn.
• Transports thatcher, aerator, tools, and materials to and from job site.
• Operates tractors, front end loaders, and other equipment.
• Cleans University vehicles.
• Sets up tents for events.
• Support Resources Management department during off season and as needed
• Performs other reasonable duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Entry level knowledge; basic employment skills; equivalent of a high school education; certification preferred. High school diploma or GED required
• Requires less than or equal to one year experience.
• Valid driver’s license
• Perform work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of materials, tools and techniques of the trade
• Must have ability to respond to emergencies after hours when on call as required

Job Description Summary

Maintains grounds of University property and cultivates lawns according to specifications.

Hours of Availability

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.

Requisition Number

Requisition Number FY20792NF

Open Date

Open Date 10/30/2026

Will this job have a specific close date?

Will this job have a specific close date? No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • MUW Departmental Announcement
  • MUW Human Resources Office
  • MUW Website
  • Mississippi Employment Service
  • Local Newspaper
  • In-state Newspaper
  • Out-of-state Newspaper
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Friend
  • Journal/Periodical
  • Off-campus Recruitment
  • Women/Minority Publication
  • Contacted by department and invited to apply
  • Other
  • The Academic Network (TAN)
• * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States? (Proof of Citizenship or Immigration status will be required upon offer of employment)
  • Yes
  • No
• * If hired, would you need sponsorship or work authorization to work for MUW now or in the future? (NOTE: MUW does not sponsor employment visas.)
  • Yes
  • No
• * This position requires a valid driver's license. Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Describe your work experience as it relates to the listed job duties.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a GED or have you earned a High School Diploma or higher degree?
  • Yes
  • No