Groundskeeper

UWLAC University of Wisconsin La Crosse; United States; On-site; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

UW-La Crosse is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds, plantings, and landscaping. The role includes lawn care, tree and shrub maintenance, and support for snow removal and event setups.

The position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within 6 months. Overtime may be needed for snow removal and special events, with a Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid driver's license for state vehicle use and obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Physically able to work in various positions and environments.
• Overtime hours may be required for snow removal or events.

Responsibilities

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Constructs lawn and landscape projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Installs, propagates, and maintains plants and landscape using equipment.
• Identifies and remedies plant diseases and insect damage.

Skills

Driver's license

Pesticide license

Heavy lifting 50 lbs

Overtime availability

English communication

Education

High School

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title

Groundskeeper

Job Category

University Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Groundskeeper

Job Duties: Job Description

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. The position performs a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. The Groundskeeper will also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

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. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs
• 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

Required Qualifications

• The 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

Compensation

$18/ hour

Benefits

• Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
• 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.

Pre-Employment Screening

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.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CB & 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.

About the University

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.