Groundskeeper

Northwood University; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood University in Midland, Michigan is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain its beautiful campus. Responsibilities include grounds operations, equipment maintenance, and landscape enhancement, ensuring safe and inviting outdoor spaces for students and visitors. Candidates must hold a valid Michigan Driver’s License, possess horticultural experience, and pass a pre-employment physical. The role emphasizes environmental stewardship and effective communication. Join us to contribute to our vibrant university environment!

Qualifications

• Valid unrestricted Michigan Driver’s License.
• State certification in herbicide and pesticide application within 90 days of hire.
• Two years’ experience in horticulture or landscape management.

Responsibilities

• Perform planting, seeding, weeding, and mowing.
• Operate grounds equipment and ensure maintenance.
• Conduct snow removal and landscape beautification.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Horticultural care

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial mowers

Tractors

Weed trimmer

Job description

Overview

The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing Northwood University’s award-winning campus, recognized for excellence in beautification and landscape presentation. Spanning over 400 acres, with 70 acres of actively maintained grounds, this position goes beyond routine maintenance to actively support landscape enhancement, design implementation, and long-term environmental stewardship.

Through thoughtful planting, horticultural care, hardscape upkeep, and meticulous attention to detail, the Groundskeeper helps sustain the clean, vibrant, and inviting public spaces that distinguish Northwood University. This role directly supports the University’s mission by maintaining safe, welcoming, and aesthetically exceptional outdoor environments for students, employees, and visitors year-round.

Responsibilities

• Perform general grounds operations including, but not limited to, planting, seeding, weeding, application of herbicides, pruning, trimming, mowing, and aeration.
• Conduct proper watering, fertilizing, herbicide and pesticide applications directed by supervision and in compliance with State of Michigan certification requirements.
• Operate grounds equipment including tractors, commercial mowers, weed trimmer, power edger, sweeper, and snow blower.
• Perform service, preventative maintenance and repair on all equipment listed above and other auxiliary equipment.
• Attach and detach plows, power brooms, blades, mower decks and related equipment.
• Perform snow removal plan including snow blowing, plowing, salting, shoveling and other procedures.
• Perform additional duties which may be assigned by the Director, the Physical Plant Supervisor, or the Maintenance Crew Leader.
• Assist other maintenance personnel as required.
• Set up and proper maintenance care of all athletic fields.
• Be able to operate and repair any of the sprinkler systems in place on campus.
• Participate in all aspects of campus beautification including, but not limited to:
• Landscape enhancement (planting, weeding, and maintaining beds) for year-around appeal.
• Aesthetic maintenance such as removing litter, debris, and graffiti.
• Horticultural care such as caring for seasonal foliage, shrubs and trees.
• Hardscape upkeep and cleaning of parking lots, sidewalks, debris and painting as applicable.
• Maintaining clean, vibrant and inviting public spaces for all to enjoy; curb appeal, pride and environmental stewardship are key.

Qualifications

• Valid unrestricted Michigan Driver’s License.
• State of Michigan certification in herbicide and pesticide application. (Within 90 days of hire)
• Two years’ experience in the horticultural/landscape area or an equivalent combination of the technical training and experience.
• Successfully pass pre-employment physical.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Environment

A great deal of physical effort is involved in the following activities: walking, pushing, pulling, climbing and working off ladders, twisting, turning, reaching, squatting, bending, kneeling, carrying heavy equipment and supplies weighing up to but not limited to 80 pounds, finger dexterity, visual acuity.

A great deal of mental processing is involved in the following areas: reading, remembering, observing and evaluating, reasoning, problem solving, measuring, communicating verbally and in writing, following written and oral directions.

Expectations

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The aptitude for successful completion of the characteristic job duties.
• Ability to maintain good working relations with supervisors, co-workers and other Northwood University personnel.
• Promptly report to work, fully ready to work during assigned shift.
• Obtain pesticide license.
• Be able to work independently without constant direction.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship.

Policy And Procedures

• Adhere to all policies and procedures in the Northwood Employee Handbook and all interim policy or procedure put out by Northwood.
• Must wear all PPE required by Northwood University; any deviation can lead to disciplinary action.
• Adhere to all MiOSHA general construction guidelines.