Groundskeeper

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain a 300-acre campus on site in Houston, performing mowing, edging, pruning, planting, irrigation repairs, and trash removal. The role supports campus aesthetics and safety, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and client service.

The ideal candidate will work Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with occasional overtime and flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays. No formal education is required and 0–1 year experience is acceptable.

Qualifications

• No formal education required.
• 0–1 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Maintains landscape plants and keeps turf, trees, shrubs, and flowers healthy and attractive.
• Mows, edges, trims, prunes, waters, and weeds; keeps campus clean and safe.
• Cleans work areas, removes debris, and returns tools after tasks.

Skills

Follow instructions

Landscaping basics

Hand tools safety

Physical stamina

Dependability

Attention to detail

Team player

Safety awareness

Weather flexibility

Job description

Position Summary

The Grounds team consists of 20-plus groundskeepers, arborists, and other specialists who develop and maintain our 300-acre, tree-lined campus in an environmentally sensitive and aesthetically pleasing manner. This dedicated team works throughout the year in all weather conditions while caring for our trees, fields, gardens, and lawns. Our mission is to create a great first impression and support the university’s mission of teaching and research through our effective and innovative stewardship of the campus landscape.

The Groundskeeper will perform general landscape maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, raking, planting, watering, weeding, caring for trees and shrubs, performing minor irrigation repairs, and assisting with pest control on campus. The Groundskeeper will also clean streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots, and perform trash removal. We are looking to hire 3 groundskeepers to our team!

The ideal candidate understands that success in this role requires a commitment to teamwork, a willingness to learn, flexibility in work assignments, and a dedication to first-class customer service.

Workplace Requirements

This position is fully on-site and requires all duties to be performed in person, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with occasional overtime expected approximately 3–4 times per year and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

• The role is designated as essential on campus, requiring consistent on-site presence to support critical operations and respond during campus emergencies.
• The work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, as well as environmental factors such as dirt, dust, fumes, pollen, noise, and hazardous chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.
• Duties may also involve working at elevated heights on ladders or scaffolding and operating heavy equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, and hedge trimmers.
• This position is classified as heavy work, requiring the ability to exert up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds continuously. The role also requires standing and/or walking for up to 8 hours per day, coordinating multiple limbs to safely operate equipment and vehicles, and performing physical activities such as bending, crouching, kneeling, lifting, reaching, climbing, balancing, and maintaining visual awareness for safe task execution.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the starting salary is $18.00 an hour. This rate is non-negotiable. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• No formal education required
• 0–1 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field

Skills:

• Ability to follow instructions and standardized procedures
• Basic knowledge of landscaping or groundskeeping (or willingness to learn)
• Safe use of hand tools and small equipment
• Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor outdoors
• Dependability and punctuality
• Attention to detail in completing assigned tasks
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Awareness of basic safety practices
• Flexibility to work in changing weather conditions and schedules

Preferences

• High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Some experience in landscape maintenance or a related field
• Ability and willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and basic equipment operation
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks accurately

Essential Functions

• Maintains landscape plants by performing routine care activities to support plant health, appearance, and longevity
• Mows, edges, trims, prunes, rakes, plants, waters, and weeds turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers across campus to ensure a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment
• Cleans assigned work areas after tasks are completed, including removing debris, returning tools, and ensuring spaces are left neat and orderly
• Picks up litter and empties trash cans throughout assigned areas to maintain campus cleanliness
• Cleans streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots using manual tools and/or equipment to ensure safe and accessible pathways
• Applies fertilizers and other basic treatments to support plant growth and overall landscape health, following safety guidelines
• Keeps area drain grates clean and free of debris to support proper drainage and prevent flooding hazards
• Uses hand tools and basic landscaping equipment safely and effectively to complete assigned tasks
• Monitors assigned areas for maintenance needs or safety concerns and reports issues to supervisors as appropriate
• Assists team members with general groundskeeping tasks and supports overall team productivity
• Follows all safety procedures and guidelines, including proper handling of equipment and materials
• Performs all other duties as assigned to support campus grounds maintenance and operations

Rice University HR | Benefits:

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.