Groundskeeper

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Sick days

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower beds, applying herbicides and pesticides as needed and pruning plantings. The role supports snow removal, athletic field upkeep, and campus cleanliness. Overtime is required for snow events and special occasions such as the WIAA State Track Meet.

The position typically runs Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., reporting to the Grounds Services Manager.

Qualifications

• Must obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and maintain certification.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• Ability to grasp, lift, and carry tools and equipment up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Physically able to work in various positions and environments including heights, heat, cold, and dusty areas.
• Overtime may be required for snow removal or special events.

Responsibilities

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Installs, propagates, and maintains plants and landscape using equipment.
• Identifies and remedies plant diseases and insect damage.
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots free of debris.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Pesticide license

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

English communication

Education

Associate degree or professional certification in related field

Tools

Preventive maintenance software

Work order systems

Inventory control programs

Job description

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. This position performs a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. The Groundskeeper will also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs

• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage

• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice

Required Qualifications:

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid drivers license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.

• Individuals must have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.

• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.

• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reactions, e.g., within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.

• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.

• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.

• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.

• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.

• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.

INFORMATIONABOUTYOURBENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.

• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.

• Paid holidays and paid sick days.

• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.

• Benefits atUWLare highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Salary/Compensation: $18.00 per hour