Groundskeeper

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design is seeking a Groundskeeper for the Custodial & Grounds team to maintain and beautify campus grounds, walkways, and parking areas. The role emphasizes safe practices and teamwork within a diverse RISD community.

Responsibilities include mowing, pruning, snow removal, and assisting other facilities staff. A valid driver’s license and DOT card within 90 days are required, with a 40-hour work week at full-time status.

Qualifications

• Good teamwork and communication within a diverse team.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with students, staff and faculty.
• Commitment to safety practices.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid DOT medical card within 90 days of hire.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to use enterprise systems such as Workday.
• Minimum education: high school or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Perform groundskeeping tasks including lawn care, pruning, flower beds, and routine cleaning.
• Mow grass, repair lawns, lay out plantings, and operate lawn equipment.
• Remove snow and ice from walks and driveways with snow removal equipment.
• Collect and sort recycled materials daily.
• Drive RISD vehicle to transport materials and staff, potentially outside normal hours.
• Support custodial and maintenance departments as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Safety practices

Driver's license

DOT medical card

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The Rhode Island School of Design Facilities department is actively seeking a Groundskeeper to join their Custodial & Grounds team. The Facilities team supports RISD’s mission by maintaining a safe and sustainable campus through planning, construction services, building operations, careful management of resources, and respectful personal interaction with the entire RISD community.

Groundskeepers perform all duties pertaining to the upkeep, maintenance, and beautification of all campus grounds, walkways, parking lots, etc.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy rigging and inter‑building moving and assist the custodial and maintenance departments as required.
• Repair sidewalks and perform small masonry jobs.
• Mow grass, repair damaged lawns, prune trees and hedges, operate motorized lawn and garden equipment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance.
• Lay out and tend to flower beds and other decorative vegetation.
• Remove snow and ice from walks and driveways, and operate motorized snow removal equipment.
• Collect and sort recycled materials on a daily basis.
• Drive RISD vehicle to transport materials and staff to the job site(s), possibly outside normal business hours.
• Operate sandblaster and use chemicals to remove graffiti throughout the campus.

Qualifications

• Good teamwork and communication skills to work effectively within a diverse team.
• Ability to develop positive and respectful working relationships with students, staff and faculty throughout a diverse community.
• Ability to demonstrate and model good safety practices.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid DOT medical card within 90 days of hire.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to attend training and adapt to using required technology (e.g., checking work email, using College supported enterprise systems such as Workday).
• High school or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year of groundskeeping experience.

Employment Details

• Union: Teamsters 251 Grounds and Custodial.
• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week/12 months per year. Specific schedule will be discussed with candidates at the time of interview.
• Employment Status: Full‑Time; Non‑Exempt; Regular Grade: 810NE.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.