Groundskeeper

UWLAC University of Wisconsin La Crosse; United States; On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation for 12-month positions

Flexible health insurance with low co

Paid holidays and sick days

Retirement plan after 5 years

Competitive benefits with the state

Job summary

University of Wisconsin—La Crosse is seeking a Groundskeeper in the Grounds Services department. The role involves constructing and maintaining lawns and landscapes, planting and plant health care, and performing routine maintenance with various equipment.

The position requires a valid driver s license, Wisconsin pesticide applicator certification within 6 months, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Work involves outdoor conditions and some after-hours events.

Qualifications

• Must have/obtain a valid drivers license for state vehicle driving within hire and maintain certification.
• State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape required within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to grasp, lift and carry tools/equipment up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in various physical positions and environments including heights, extreme temperatures, and dusty areas.
• Willingness to work overtime for snow removal or special events as needed.

Responsibilities

• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Installs, propagates, and maintains health of plants and landscape using equipment.
• Identifies and remedies plant diseases and insect damage.
• Maintains clean lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots free of debris, snow, and ice.
• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.

Skills

Valid drivers license

Pesticide applicator license

Heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs)

Education

High School

Associate degree or cert (related field)

Job description

Position Title

Groundskeeper

Job Category

University Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Groundskeeper

Department

Grounds Services

Location

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Job Responsibilities

• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding
• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs

Compensation

$18/ hour

Required Qualifications

• Ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
• Individuals must have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reactions, e.g., within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two‑way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.

Education

High School

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Work Authorization

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.
• Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire.
• Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

General Information

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in‑state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.

Additional Policies

CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre‑employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.