Groundskeeper

PFW-ETCS; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Family degree remission

Insurance starts day one

Paid time off

Job summary

Purdue University Fort Wayne is hiring a Groundskeeper in the Grounds department. This full-time, year-round position includes benefits and a starting pay of $14.70 per hour.

Primary duties cover maintaining campus lawns, shrubs, trees, and landscape features, with equipment operation and recordkeeping responsibilities. Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, 2+ years in grounds maintenance, and the ability to lift 25–60 lbs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years in ground maintenance, including shrub pruning and pesticide application.
• Ability to read pesticide labels and mix according to label instructions.
• Physically able to lift 25–60 lbs and work outdoors in extreme temperatures.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to operate landscape equipment.
• Good organizational and math skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus lawns: irrigate, mow, edge, trim, fertilize, weed control.
• Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod, sow seed.
• Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, aerators.
• Maintain trees and shrubs: plant, prune, water, spray, weed.
• Prepare flowerbeds for annuals and bulbs.
• Keep records and operate/maintain equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Pesticide application

Recordkeeping

Lifting 25–60 lbs

Outdoor work

Landscape equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Lawn mowers

Rototillers

Aerators

Job description

Join Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW)

We are currently seeking a

Groundskeeper in our Grounds department. This position is a year-round, nonseasonal, full-time with benefits. Grounds maintenance duties include grounds cleanliness, shrub pruning, turf fertilization and mowing, landscape equipment operation, pesticide application and landscape renovation around campus buildings. The pay for this position is $14.70/hr.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain campus lawns by irrigating, mowing, edging, hand trimming, fertilizing, using weed control methods, and performing other, grounds, duties as assigned.
• Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod, and sow seed.
• Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed.
• Maintain campus trees and shrubs by planting, pruning, watering, spraying, weeding, and cleaning shrub plantings.
• Plant, maintain, trim, and prune hedges.
• Prepare flowerbeds for growing annuals and bulbs.
• Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and minor equipment operation/maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years in ground maintenance, including experience in shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness.
• Demonstrated basic and intermediate skills in landscape renovation, pesticide mixing and recordkeeping, as well as ornamental identification.
• Able to lift and carry 25 to 50 lbs. frequently, and up to 60 lbs. occasionally.
• Able to work outdoors, at times in temperatures below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees.
• Possession of a valid US or Canadian driver's license.
• The ability to operate and maintain landscape equipment.
• The ability to read pesticide labels and mix according to label instructions.
• Good work organization and the ability to problem-solve.
• The ability to keep records, to read, write and speak English, to perform basic mathematics.
• Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies.
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 3pm.

Benefits

• Free tuition through Purdue University Global.
• Fee remission for a traditional Purdue degree for yourself, your spouse, and your child(ren).
• Insurance starts on first day of employment.
• Generous Paid Time Off - additional PTO in December.
• Additional benefit information: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/

Additional Information

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
• A background is required for employment in this position.
• A Motor Vehicle Records check is required for this position.

Purdue Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt