Groundskeeper

Furman University; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Furman University is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus and athletic grounds. The role includes mowing, landscaping, irrigation work, and seasonal maintenance to keep the campus attractive and safe for students and staff.

Responsibilities cover turf care, plant care, snow removal, and equipment maintenance, with a focus on safety and efficient teamwork in an outdoor environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years of experience in groundskeeping or landscaping.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license.
• Ability to read and understand instructions for equipment operation, chemicals, and materials.
• Experience operating grounds maintenance tools and equipment.
• Horticulture degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mow, edge, and trim campus lawns and maintain turf areas.
• Prune shrubs, trees, and flowers; plant, transplant, and remove vegetation.
• Maintain walkways, parking lots, water features, and debris removal.
• Inspect and assist with irrigation systems and equipment maintenance.
• Follow safety procedures and PPE; communicate with supervisors and staff.
• Collaborate with Grounds team and respond to campus needs during events.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Horticulture degree or equivalent experience preferred

Job description

Job Title

Groundskeeper

Job Family

Service Workers

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full time

Pay Type

Hourly

Department

Athletic Grounds

Job Summary

The Groundskeeper position is responsible for maintaining the appearance, safety, and functionality of campus and/or athletic grounds. This position performs routine and seasonal landscaping, grounds maintenance, and irrigation work to ensure an attractive and welcoming campus environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grounds and Turf Maintenance

• Mow, edge, and trim campus lawns using tractor mowers, push mowers, gang mowers, and hand tools.
• Operate weed eaters, edgers, clippers, and backpack blowers.
• Perform aeration, sodding, seeding, fertilizing, and irrigation of turf areas.
• Collect and dispose of litter, fallen limbs, leaves, and debris.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety standards and regulations.
• Clear overgrown areas using bush hogs or other appropriate equipment.

Landscape, Tree, and Plant Care

• Prune and trim shrubs, flowers, and trees using hand tools, power equipment, chainsaws, ladders, or bucket trucks.
• Plant, transplant, and remove flowers, shrubs, and trees using hand tools or heavy equipment.
• Mulch and weed flower beds and landscaped areas.
• Remove tree stumps and unwanted vegetation using stump grinders, backhoes, or other equipment.
• Identify plant disease, pest issues, or safety concerns and report them to supervision.

Walkways, Parking Lots, and Water Features

• Maintain cleanliness of sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and common areas by blowing or vacuuming debris.
• Clean storm drains and drainage systems to prevent blockages.
• Maintain campus lake and surrounding areas by removing debris and assisting with injured wildlife using approved methods and equipment.
• Remove snow and ice from walkways and entrances as needed.

Equipment and Irrigation Maintenance

• Clean, inspect, and perform basic maintenance on grounds equipment and vehicles.
• Sharpen blades and check oil, fuel, and filters.
• Assist Irrigation Technician with repairing irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, valves, pipes, and controllers.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, students, and the public.
• Participate in performance reviews and contribute to department and university goals.
• Pursue ongoing professional development related to grounds maintenance and landscaping.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Relationships and Communication

• Regular interaction with immediate supervisor and work unit to exchange information and coordinate tasks.
• Frequent contact with students, staff, and the general public to provide information and assistance related to campus grounds.

Decision-Making Authority

• Performs assigned tasks following established procedures and guidelines.
• Selects appropriate tools and equipment for routine work.
• Completed work is reviewed by the supervisor.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to two (1-2) years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license.
• Ability to read and understand instructions for equipment operation, chemicals, and materials.
• Experience operating grounds maintenance tools and equipment.
• Horticulture degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, heat, cold, chemicals, and fumes.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of equipment and materials up to 70 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and walking.
• Regular operation of mowers, tractors, blowers, weed eaters, and hand tools.

On-Call Responsibilities

Groundskeepers may be subject to call-back during emergencies, including downed trees, snow and/or ice removal, or special events on campus.

Reports To: Senior Groundskeeper, Assistant Superintendent of Campus Grounds/Athletic Grounds and Superintendent of Grounds, Horticulture, and Sports Turf