Groundskeeper

UWMIL University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain lawns, plant beds, and landscaping, ensuring safe campus conditions and adherence to standards. The role requires night/weekend coverage during snow events and on-site work only.

Responsibilities include installing and maintaining plants, mowing, planting flowers, operating heavy equipment, and supervising student workers; overtime may be required. Must have a valid WI driver license and relevant landscape experience.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver License.
• Experience with landscape maintenance.
• Experience with snow removal.
• Available to work overtime (including nights, weekends, or holidays).

Responsibilities

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of plants and landscape.
• Mow lawns and trim around buildings and obstacles.
• Plant, water, fertilize, and monitor flowers in pots and beds.
• Operate commercial mowers, tractors, and power equipment.
• Keep lawns, walkways, roads, and parking lots clean and free of debris, snow, and ice.
• Clear snow and ice using trucks, tractors, and specialized equipment.
• Assist with planting shrubs, trees, and perennials and replace damaged plants.
• Oversee student workers and complete daily task documentation.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Snow removal

Valid Wisconsin Driver License

Overtime availability

Education

HS Diploma

Horticulture degree/Technical training

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: Maintain lawns, plant beds, natural areas, and hardscapes. Inspect campus grounds to ensure conditions are safe and meet institutional standards. Continually clean and clear sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of snow and ice at any time. This may include nights, weekends, or holidays. Additional Information: Finance & Administrative Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre Employment screenings on the selected candidate for this role. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. The selected candidate must complete a Vehicle Use Agreement application which allows a review of driver records to compare the candidate’s driving record to the University Driver Authorization Standards (Risk Management – Safety & Assurances). Employment is contingent upon successfully meeting these requirements. This position is not eligible for hybrid work and requires 100% onsite work.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 25% - Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• 25% - Mow lawns and string trim around buildings, poles, fences and other obstacles
• 25% - Plant, water, fertilize and monitor flowers in pots and beds
• 25% - Operate commercial mowers, tractors, skid loaders and other power equipment
• 25% - Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
• 25% - Operate trucks, tractors, skid loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice
• 25% - Hand shovel, scrape and apply snow-melting chemicals to ADA ramps, stairs and curb-cuts to keep free of snow and ice
• 25% - Monitor and empty as needed all outdoor garbage and recycling bins to reduce debris and litter
• 25% - Inspect areas and pick up trash, branches, leaves and other debris
• 25% - Inspect and clear drains to reduce aerial flood risks and potential building floods
• 10% - Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding
• 10% - Restore bare lawn areas by seeding or sodding, as appropriate
• 10% - Plant new bushes, trees and perennials as needed to replace dead or damaged plants
• 10% - Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• 10% - Monitor trees and shrubs for evidence of disease and apply treatments as needed
• 10% - Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs
• 10% - Oversee and guide work of student employees
• 5% - Complete accurate document assigned work tasks into various software programs daily
• 5% - Other duties as assigned
• 5% - Support moving operations

Required Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver License and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as described here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/
• Experience with landscape maintenance
• Experience with snow removal
• Available to work overtime (including nights, weekends, or holidays) in response to weather conditions or special events.

Preferred Qualifications

• HS Diploma (or equivalent)
• Horticulture degree/Technical training or equivalent work experience
• Snow plowing experience in a professional setting
• Experience working with heavy equipment in landscaping
• Experience working with heavy equipment for snow removal

Target Salary Range: $21.00 Hourly

Reasonable Accommodations

Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM 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.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM 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.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at [phone] for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 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.

About UWM

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 187 top research universities recognized as R1 by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. At UWM, we are committed to creating positive employee experiences, so our team members are able to thrive and excel in their work.

Benefits

UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information (Compensation figures are for example purposes only).