Groundskeeper

Wheaton College; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds, mow, trim, edge and care for lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs. This on-site role supports safe walkways and a welcoming campus environment.

You will operate and maintain equipment, assist with seasonal snow and ice removal, and work with facilities staff to uphold the college’s standards. Prior groundskeeping experience and a safety‑conscious, team‑oriented approach are preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in grounds maintenance and lawn care.
• Ability to safely operate groundskeeping equipment.
• Physically capable of lifting and outdoor work in varied weather.
• Attention to detail and reliability in campus upkeep.
• Effective communication and teamwork with facilities staff.
• Prior groundskeeping or landscaping experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, edge, rake, and care for lawns and gardens.
• Plant, mulch, water, and maintain trees and shrubs as needed.
• Keep walkways clean, safe, and accessible year-round.
• Assist with seasonal snow and ice removal.
• Operate and maintain landscaping tools and equipment.
• Collaborate with facilities and campus staff to uphold standards.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Operate equipment

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Safety practices

Experience preferred

Tools

Mowers

Trimmers

Blowers

Snow removal tools

Job description

Company Description

Wheaton College is an explicitly Christian, academically rigorous, fully residential liberal arts college and graduate school located in Wheaton, Illinois. Founded in 1860, the institution remains committed to its original mission of providing excellence in Christian higher education. Wheaton offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees across the liberal arts and sciences and 14 graduate degrees, serving a diverse community of learners. The campus environment emphasizes intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and community engagement. Team members join a collaborative setting that supports both professional development and the college's Christ-centered mission.

Role Description

The Groundskeeper is a full-time, on-site role based on the Wheaton College campus in Wheaton, IL. This position is responsible for maintaining campus grounds, including mowing, trimming, edging, raking, and caring for lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs. Daily tasks may also include planting, mulching, watering, leaf removal, trash and debris pickup, and seasonal snow and ice removal to ensure safe walkways and entrances. The Groundskeeper operates and maintains landscaping tools and equipment, follows safety procedures, and assists with outdoor setup and teardown for campus events. This role works closely with facilities staff to uphold the college's standards for a clean, attractive, and welcoming campus environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in grounds maintenance, including lawn care, landscaping, and basic plant care.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and snow removal tools.
• Capacity for physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability in completing assigned tasks, and commitment to campus cleanliness and safety.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to follow instructions and collaborate with facilities and campus staff.
• Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or related maintenance work is preferred.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices and willingness to follow institutional policies and procedures.
• Alignment with Wheaton College's Christ-centered mission and respect for its community values.