Groundskeeper

University of Scranton, Department of Communication & Media; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Scranton is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus landscaping and perform related tasks, including snow removal and equipment operation. The role requires early morning or late night availability and a commitment to safety and campus service.

The position emphasizes practical grounds work, plant care, and campus upkeep, with duties spanning lawn care, pruning, trash removal, and event support. Schedule includes evening shifts and additional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Must be accessible for emergencies and snow removal.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Must be willing to seek training to enhance or learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintains university landscaping and grounds, and performs related upkeep.
• Operates snow removal and lawn care equipment as required.
• Mows, trims, plants flowers and trees; manages planting beds.
• Maintains campus parking lots, sidewalks, and street areas.
• Supports events and moves furniture or partitions as directed.
• Removes dead animals/vermin; keeps facilities clean and safe.

Skills

PA driver’s license

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Emergency availability

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Groundskeeper Non-Discrimination Statement

The University is committed to providing an educational, residential, and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the University community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, family responsibilities, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment.

About

The University will promptly address reports of discrimination under the University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (NDAH Policy) or the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy (SHSM Policy). Anyone who has questions about the above referenced policies, or wishes to report a possible violation of one of the policies should contact:

Elizabeth M. Garcia

Title IX Coordinator

Office of Institutional Compliance & Title IX

Institute of Molecular Biology & Medicine, Suite 315

[e-mail]

[phone]

https://www.scranton.edu/compliance-titleix/

The University of Scranton is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator.

University Mission The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision of Saint Ignatius Loyola, a tradition of excellence, and a commitment to the common good. The University is a community dedicated to the formation of students, and to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life.

Department Facilities Job Purpose Responsibilities of the position include the maintenance of university landscaping and grounds, minor repair to grounds equipment, operation of snow removal equipment, lawn care equipment, and other grounds keeping tasks to maintain a safe and attractive environment. Grounds personnel are essential employees and must be available for early morning and/or late night hours when snow or ice is forecasted and for other duties as required to meet the goals and mission of the University.

• Examines and polices the University grounds on a routine basis, removes chewing gum from walkways, removes or covers graffiti on walls and other facilities and picks up litter and trash
• Mows and trims grass with power mowers and other power tools, uses tractors and riding lawnmowers to care for large lawn areas
• Maintains parking lots using brooms and sweepers. Installs bumper blocks to identify parking spaces. Cleans and treats oil and grease spots to remove residue.
• Weeds flower beds, shrubs and trees as directed and plants flowers, shrubs and trees and other landscaping material, installs geo-textile fabric and mulch in planting beds and performs hand excavation for planting of trees and shrubs
• Responsible for the grooming and maintenance of the athletic fields
• Installs decorations around campus to celebrate various holidays
• Installs banners and flags on university light poles and fences
• Operates various grounds equipment including, skid steer loader, snow plows and blowers, power sweepers, tractors, utility vehicles, dump trucks, bucket lift trucks and forklifts, rental equipment, other operational lifts, and truck mounted leaf vacuum as well as towing equipment on trailers attached to trucks to various campus sites
• Removes dead branches, prunes and maintains trees using pruners and chain saws; Inspects trees for damage from pests and disease.
• Removes snow and ice from University properties using various grounds equipment, including chemical ice melters
• Rakes leaves and grass on all University properties
• Disassembles and moves furniture and sets-up offices and other academic spaces as directed, re-assembles furnishings at new office locations and assembles various types of site furnishings including benches and tables
• Maintains streets in the immediate vicinity of the campus, patches pot-holes, cleans streets for special campus events, keeps catch basins free of debris and periodically cleans debris from roadways after accidents
• Provides support and manpower for events in various facilities to other University and Physical Plant departments as directed
• Removes dead animals and vermin from all University properties
• Picks up recycling materials from various University facilities and delivers them to the local recycling facility
• Power washes buildings using pressure washers and washes exterior sides of windows in facilities less than 3 stories in height
• Custodial work including all university sports facilities including locker rooms, restrooms, dugouts and press boxes
• Removes avian waste from facilities
• Provides assistance to the University Retreat Center at Chapman’s Lake (i.e. grass cutting, trimming of trees, snow removal, etc.)

Additional Skills Required

• Possess a valid PA driver’s licenses
• Ability to work within the overall organization of the Physical Plant and work with skilled and unskilled personnel
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills, follow oral and written instructions and be able to express ideas effectively and concisely
• Must be willing to seek training to enhance or learn new skills

- Must be accessible and available in the event of emergencies, for snow removal, special events or when needed to meet the ongoing missions of the University

• Must maintain certification to operate large dump trucks by passing vision screening and a physical exam
• Must enroll in the University of Scranton Hearing Protection Program and undergo annual testing and certification
• Must wear and provide own safety shoes for use on the job
• Must wear University supplied work apparel while on duty
• Must successfully complete University provided training for avian waste removal and maintain any required certification
• The ability to uphold human dignity and respect by recognizing each person’s worth, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating others with kindness, fairness, and empathy
• Must be able to respect, support and contribute to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission

Minimum Education Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education Minimum Job Experience Requirements

• No experience necessary

Preferred Qualifications Years of Experience 0 University Classification Maintenance FLSA Classification Non-Exempt Schedule/Work Hours Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 pm-11:30 pm. Additional hours as required. Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Annual Schedule 12

Posting Details

Posting Number S1068P Open Date 09/03/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter