Groundskeeper 1

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Prescription drug coverage

Paid vacation

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey in Newark, is seeking a Groundskeeper 1 to maintain campus lawns, plantings, and related outdoor facilities under supervision. The role emphasizes safe operation of gardening tools, timely lawn care, and adherence to university maintenance schedules.

Under the Division of IP&O, the candidate will perform landscaping duties, operate power equipment, and support special events as needed, with a Monday–Friday 7am–4pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and speak English commensurate with job duties.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to operate gardening tools.
• Preferred: one year experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds, including mowing, edging, trimming, and litter removal.
• Plant and maintain flower beds, shrubs, and trees as required.
• Operate walk-behind power equipment and basic snow removal duties when needed.
• Assist with setup for events and move furniture or equipment as required.

Skills

English fluency

Tools

Driver's license

Rutgers Defensive Driving Course

Job description

Position Details

• Recruitment/Posting Title: Groundskeeper 1
• Job Category: Staff & Executive - Facilities/Environmental/Maintenance
• Department: Facilities Grounds Newark
• Overview: The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
• FLSA: Nonexempt
• Grade: 147
• Position Status: Full Time
• Working Hours: 40
• Standard Hours: 40.00
• Union Description: Teamsters 97
• Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft
• Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month
• Position Pension Eligibility: PERS

Salary Details

• Minimum Salary: 22.610
• Mid Range Salary: 23.110
• Maximum Salary: 23.800

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Groundskeeper 1 for the e Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under the direction of the Senior Director of Operations & Services, University Facilities and Capital Planning and/or designee, performs diversified maintenance, landscaping and grounds duties in the preparation of campus facility's multi-purpose area and the maintenance of grounds and equipment.

• Performs general maintenance of grounds to include, but not limited to, grass cutting, trimming, edging, trash removal, recycling, leaf removal, weeding, fertilizing, liming, pruning, mulching, deadheading, and watering. Plants flowers, shrubs and trees as required.
• Performs topsoil installations, rough and fine grading and the establishment of lawns from seed and sod on campus grounds.
• Operates walk-behind power equipment to include, but not limited to, tractors, lawn mowers and trimmers. As assigned, performs snow removal duties using snow shovels, show blowers, and snow vehicles/plows.
• Installs and maintains such items as street signs, poles, parking bumpers, trash containers, landscape ties, snow fences and other grounds related items.
• Erects and breaks down bleachers, chairs and platforms, lecture hall equipment and attendant equipment used for special events. May pick up and deliver furniture and other equipment.
• Operates university vehicles and equipment.
• Understands and adheres to Rutgers' compliance standards as they appear in RBHS's Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and speak English commensurate with job duties.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver's license, two years driving experience and successful completion of Rutgers Defensive Drive Course.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience in landscaping industry with knowledge of tools, methods materials used in grounds maintenance desired.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: Standing, sitting, walking, talking, hearing, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. No special vision requirement.

Work Environment: Outdoor environment (in all elements) and an occasional indoor environment with moderate noise.

Special Conditions

• Shift/Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am -4pm
• Clean Driving Record

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 26ST0264
• Posting Open Date: 02/11/2026
• Regional Campus: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
• Home Location Campus: Newark (RBHS)
• City: Newark
• State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement