Groundskeeper

University of New England; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Paid holidays

Tuition waiver for employees

Tuition waiver for dependents

Job summary

University of New England is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain and improve the Maine campus grounds on a Monday–Friday first shift basis. You will operate basic and heavy equipment, perform seasonal maintenance, and support various grounds tasks across campus properties in Portland.

The role requires physical stamina and safe operation of power tools and machinery. The position includes duties such as snow removal, turf care, planting, and equipment upkeep, with a focus on safety and

Qualifications

• High school education preferred with 2 years of grounds experience.
• Knowledge of lawn, tree and shrub care and basic maintenance.
• Basic trade skills and mechanical aptitude; operate power tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Maintain university grounds in summer: mowing, fertilizing, planting and pruning.
• Winter tasks: snow and ice removal from lots and sidewalks.
• Perform seasonal grounds work: rake leaves, clean areas, spread protective coverings.
• Maintain tools and equipment used in grounds work and perform repairs as needed.
• Operate heavy equipment for specialized tasks and athletic field maintenance.
• Assist with basic construction tasks related to grounds maintenance when required.

Skills

Grounds maintenance basics

Hand tools & power equipment

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

Safe driving

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Groundskeeper maintains University grounds and performs some specialized grounds maintenance functions, such as certain heavy equipment operations, and repair and rebuilding of tools and equipment on our Portland campus

About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands‑on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits:
  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners
  • UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full‑time service
    • 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full‑time service
• Maintain grounds in summer: mow and fertilize lawns, plant grass, flowers, shrubs, and trees, prune and fertilize trees and shrubs, remove weeds and brush using power equipment, etc.
• Maintain grounds in winter: remove snow and ice from parking lots and sidewalks, using shovels, snow blowers and plows, salt and sand
• Perform other seasonal grounds work: rake leaves, sweep sand, and protective coverings over shrubs, etc.
• Maintain tools and equipment used in grounds work.
• Perform specialized equipment maintenance and repair tasks.
• Pick up trash around buildings and dorms and empty trash cans.
• Perform specialized heavy equipment operations, using back hoe and dump truck.
• Perform specialized grounds maintenance tasks, such as maintaining athletic fields, and planning and overseeing maintenance of flower beds.
• Assist with basic construction tasks related to grounds maintenance such as ditchdigging, cement work, laying tar and asphalt, fence and sign installation
• Performs other duties as required.
• Complete, understand and comply with initial and annual employee regulatory compliance and safety training as assigned. Complies with all occupational safety and health standards, rules and regulations. Reports all hazards, unsafe work practices and accidents immediately to supervisor.
• Primarily a Monday through Friday 1st shift job, but the ability to work evenings, weekends for winter storms and athletic events.

Qualifications

• High school education desirable, plus two years of formal or informal experience in grounds maintenance.
• Good basic knowledge and skills related to the care and maintenance of lawns, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Basic trade skills, mechanical and technological aptitude.
• Proficiency in operating hand tools, power equipment, and grounds maintenance machinery.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $20.00

Posting Number

Posting Number 2022PS0954P

Open Date

Open Date 08/03/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

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