Groundskeeper

Augustana College; Rock Island (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition benefits for employees and/or家

Access to campus facilities

Job summary

Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds year-round. The role involves mowing, snow removal, landscape maintenance, and trash collection, with additional duties such as tree removal and leaf cleanup.

You will work with the grounds crew and student workers under the Grounds Manager, following OSHA safety guidelines. A GED or high school diploma is required, with 1–3 years of related experience and the ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma required.
• 1–3 years of related experience.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and work outdoors in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Maintains campus grounds, including mowing, snow removal, landscaping, trash collection, and debris removal.
• Mows turf areas with a walk-behind mower and transplants plants as needed.
• Maintains irrigation systems and supports turf renovations (seeding, sodding, aeration).
• Responds to emergencies and collaborates with other staff to meet campus goals.
• Complies with OSHA safety guidelines and reports issues to supervisor.

Skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Tools

Power equipment operation

Driver's license

Job description

About Augustana College

Augustana College is a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to investing in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and strengthening community partnerships - the guiding priorities of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students from all backgrounds, Augustana provides a transformative experience that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on learning and mentorship to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

Augustana College is a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to investing in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and strengthening community partnerships - the guiding priorities of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students from all backgrounds, Augustana provides a transformative experience that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on learning and mentorship to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

The college’s scenic, wooded campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad-Cities metro area (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River, about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. At Augustana, we seek innovative and student-centered professionals who are excited to contribute to our strategic goals of empowering students through engaged learning, leadership development and real-world experiences.

Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.

Job Description

Job Title: Groundskeeper

Status: Regular Full-time Non-Exempt - Year round, ongoing 12 month schedule

Wage: 710

Reports To: Grounds Manager

Overview

Works collaboratively with other members of the grounds staff to maintain the grounds of Augustana College in a safe manner. Primary duties include mowing, snow removal, landscape maintenance, trash collection, tree removal and removal of leaves and debris.

Job Duties

• Responsible for the maintenance of assigned areas on campus which may include trash pick-up, snow removal, grass cutting, pruning, clipping, raking, leaf removal, as well as other duties.
• Mows turf areas as assigned throughout campus using a walk-behind mower.
• Plants and transplants trees, shrubs and other plants. Waters, mulches, plants and maintains annual and perennial planting areas.
• Responsible for assigned turf renovations including seeding, sodding, aeration and watering.
• Removes trash, leaves, and debris throughout campus as well as campus owned housing areas.
• Maintains and repairs on campus irrigation systems.
• Removes snow and ice from campus walk ways and parking lots using shovels as well as power equipment.
• Uses supplies and equipment as instructed, following College guidelines for safety. Is aware of and operates within OSHA standards and guidelines at all times.
• Works collaboratively with other grounds crew members and student workers as well as other departments to meet the overall goals of the College.
• Assist campus visitors with requests and instructions in a courteous and helpful manner that reflects the high standards of Augustana.
• Responds to emergency situations as needed. Reports unusual issues or problems to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education: GED or High School Diploma required

Skills & Experience

• 1-3 years of related experience
• Ability to work with limited supervision
• Ability to safely operate a variety of power equipment with basic training including but not limited to: manual transmission dump truck, mowers, hand tools, gas powered blower, snow blower, string trimmers, chain saw.
• Ability to follow standard practices and safety regulations
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Physical Requirements:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds on a frequent basis and occasionally lift and/or move 75+ pounds.
• Must have the ability to listen, hear, speak, read, write, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and stand for intermittently long periods of time.
• Must possess finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and equipment.
• Overtime required for snow and ice removal, special events and emergencies.

Work Environment

The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and moderate noise levels. Frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold weather conditions.

Special Requirements

• A valid driver's license is required.
• Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check.

Additional Information

Pay and Benefits

This position is budgeted to pay $15.00 per hour. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of employees.

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
• Life insurance, disability insurance, and supplemental insurance programs
• Retirement plan with a generous company contribution
• Excellent paid time off/holiday benefits
• Tuition benefits for employees and their family members
• Access to company facilities (gym, pool, health center, etc.)
• You can learn more about our benefit programs at our Benefits website.

EEO Statement

Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Note

This job description is subject to change and is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.