Groundskeeper

Saginaw Valley State University; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Saginaw Valley State University is seeking a Groundskeeper to support daily upkeep of campus grounds and property, including mowing, planting, and equipment operation. The role requires a flexible schedule that shifts with the academic year, and includes event support and snow removal as needed.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma, Michigan pesticide license, and several years’ related experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and state pesticide license.
• Valid Michigan driver's license is required and a clean driving record is expected.
• Three years of direct, job-related experience in nursery, landscaping, snow removal or related fields.
• Knowledge of horticultural procedures and use of tools and equipment is expected.
• Ability to record grounds/athletics data and reports accurately.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Candidates must meet safety procedures and demonstrate good judgment.
• Ability to operate grounds equipment such as mowers, sprayers, and backhoes.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without accommodation and pass required exams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain University grounds, perform fertilizing, mowing, trimming, and planting tasks.
• Operate tractors, mowers, sprayers, snow removal equipment and related machinery.
• Inspect and maintain ornamentals, turf, and plants across campus.
• Diagnose turf or pest issues and propose solutions to supervisor.
• Perform special grounds operations including irrigation work and pavement repair.
• Keep records on chemical usage, plantings, and equipment maintenance.
• Care for grounds equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Remove debris and weed growth from grounds, walkways, and parking areas.
• Assist in snow and ice removal as needed.
• Support other grounds staff and assist with events and setup.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

State of Michigan Pesticide Applicators License

Possession of a valid Michigan Driver License

Three years of direct, job-related experience

Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural/landscape procedures, practices, and equipment

Ability to compile, maintain, and process grounds/athletics records and reports

Ability to begin and follow through with tasks

Reporting of facilities or grounds maintenance needs

Ability to communicate effectively with others and maintain good working relations

Ability to work alone or as part of a team

Ability to follow and apply grounds safety procedures

Ability to exercise appropriate judgment

Ability to operate grounds/athletics equipment

Ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodation

Ability to pass job-related examinations or certifications in a reasonable time

Job description

Job Title: Groundskeeper

Full- or Part-Time: Full time

Exempt or Non-Exempt: No

Hourly Rate: 18.20 USD Hourly

Department: Campus Facilities-Grounds (PM)

Job Description

Days/Shift: This position changes days and hours during the year.

November - April = Thursday - Monday 1-9pm

April - November = Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

***exact dates to be determined

JOB TITLE: Groundskeeper GRADE LEVEL: 4

DEPARTMENT: Campus Facilities FLSA: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY: To assist in the daily upkeep of University grounds and property including, walks, roadways, equipment; participate in set‑ups, and moving furniture and equipment, etc. for campus events and activities; coordinate motor pool activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain University grounds; may include applying fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides; planting; seeding; watering; mowing; trimming; pruning; spraying; removing weeds; lining, marking and laying out athletic field markers; etc.
• Operate standard grounds equipment, such as tractors, commercial mowers, sprayers, snow removal equipment, back hoe, etc.
• Inspect, provide preventative measures, and maintain ornamentals, turf, perennials, annuals, other bedding plants, bushes, shrubs and trees on campus.
• Determine causes and solutions to actual or potential turfgrass, horticultural, pest and other related problems, providing suggestions to the Working Foreman.
• Perform special grounds operations, may include monitoring and setting irrigation boxes, digging water mains, working on irrigation system, repairing pavement, etc.
• Maintain required records on chemical usage, plantings, maintenance, and motor pool.
• Clean, care, and provide preventative maintenance on grounds equipment.
• Remove debris, litter, and weeds from University grounds, walks, parking lots, and roads.
• Participate in the removal of snow and ice, may include shoveling, salting, sanding, and plowing.

RELATED DUTIES

• Perform routine grading and seeding operations.
• Assist in moving furniture and equipment in and out of facilities for University events.
• Install snow fences and directional signs.
• Assist other grounds personnel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Most tasks are performed independently, or as part of a team. Assignments are coordinated by the Working Foreman. Administrative supervision is received from the Manager of Maintenance Operations.

Assignments and administrative supervision are received from the Assistant Vice President and/or his designee(s).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May be responsible for supervising student employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• State of Michigan Pesticide Applicators License.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Driver License, in good standing.
• Three years of direct, job-related experience; nursery, landscaping, golf course maintenance, snow removal, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural/landscape procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Ability to compile, maintain, and process grounds/athletics records and reports.
• Ability to begin and follow through with the task(s) or plan identified in the job description, and to take the first step in performance of those duties and responsibilities.
• Reporting of facilities or grounds maintenance needs which are observed.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others and maintain good working relations with supervisor, co-workers, and the University community.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team and to perform assigned duties within scheduled time limits.
• Ability to follow and apply general and specific grounds safety procedures.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment based on specific situations.
• Ability to operate grounds/athletics equipment; may include mowers, spreaders, sprayers, backhoe, tractor, field markers, hand tools, trucks, etc.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
• Ability to pass job‑related physical examination, skill test, and/or State/Federal mandated training, licensing, and/or certification requirements within a reasonable amount of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Many duties are performed outdoors and subject to environmental changes.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, pesticides and other grounds/nursery/athletics chemicals.
• Subject to loud noises caused by standard grounds equipment.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job, and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website_,http://www.svsu.edu._