Groundskeeper

La Crosse Tribune; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 43,841,000 - 59,314,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Sick days

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in La Crosse, WI seeks a full-time Groundskeeper to maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, and to apply herbicides and pesticides. You will plant, prune, mulch, and oversee seasonal plantings, and support snow removal, athletic field upkeep, and litter control while using a variety of landscape equipment.

The role requires a valid driver's license, the ability to obtain a commercial pesticide applicator license within six months, and comfort

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid driver’s license for driving a state vehicle.
• Within 6 months, obtain Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator license (Turf & Landscape).
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Work in varied environments and weather conditions.
• Wear protective gear as required and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Operates and maintains plants and landscape health using equipment.
• Identifies and remedies plant diseases and insect damage.
• Maintains clean, debris-free lawns, walkways, and parking areas; supports snow removal.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Lift up to 50 pounds

Overtime readiness

Safety awareness

Operate heavy equipment safely

Education

State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape

Job description

University of Wisconsin- La Crosse La Crosse, WI Full-time Maintenance, Installation & Repair

Salary: $18.00 per hour

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 driver’s 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.