Groundskeeper 3A

Joliet Junior College; United States; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Typical college employee benefits

Job summary

Joliet Junior College is hiring a full-time Groundskeeper to maintain the campus grounds, buildings, and facilities. The ideal candidate will have an Associate's degree in a related field and be skilled in using landscaping equipment.

Responsibilities include operating machinery, maintaining landscapes, and supervising part-time staff. This role requires physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication in diverse settings.

Applicants should possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and be ready for on-call duty during snow removal. Benefits include typical college employee perks.

Qualifications

• Full-time position requires cleaning, maintaining, and operating campus grounds.
• Must be able to work from heights and lift 50 lbs.
• Valid communication skills and cooperation with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• General upkeep of exterior campus facilities.
• Prepare for athletic and special events.
• Perform safety inspections of grounds and equipment.
• Supervise part-time and student groundskeepers.

Skills

Knowledge of horticulture

Equipment repair skills

Effective communication

Ability to follow instructions

Physical endurance

Education

Associate's degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field

Valid Class C Illinois driver’s license

Valid Illinois pesticide applicator’s license

Tools

Commercial mowers

Chainsaws

Irrigation equipment

Job description

Position Title: Groundskeeper, 3A

Status: Full-time

Department: Facility Services

Division: Administrative Services

Classification: Non-exempt

Union: Facility Services-SEIU

Reports To: Superintendent, Roads and Grounds

Final‑time, non‑exempt full‑time position responsible for cleaning, maintaining and operating campus grounds, equipment, buildings and all assigned areas. Works within a team to water, mow, and maintain campus grounds as directed, ensuring safe, functional, and attractive grounds and facilities.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Roads & Grounds and day‑to‑day direction of the Lead Groundskeeper, the groundskeeper cleans and maintains campus grounds, buildings and assigned areas to meet performance standards and provides safe, functional, and attractive facilities.

Essential Job Duties and Key Responsibilities

• 1. General upkeep of the exterior campus facilities.
• 2. Snow removal from campus roads, parking lots and sidewalks.
• 3. Prepare for athletic and other special events on campus.
• 4. Safe operation of equipment including commercial mowers, industrial tractors/loaders, trailers, 15‑passenger van, sprayers, chain saws, 4x4 trucks, dump trucks, backhoe, string trimmers, irrigation equipment, utility vehicles and all related equipment.
• 5. Successfully maintain, repair, and operate the irrigation system and the controller.
• 6. Safe and accurate application of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticide products as listed on the label.
• 7. Maintain all Grounds Division equipment, inventory equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
• 8. Install and maintain campus landscapes.
• 9. Communicate all information necessary and report all damage of exterior campus facilities and equipment to the Superintendent of Roads & Grounds.
• 10. Receive training for grounds care.
• 11. This position will require 24‑hour on‑call status during snow removal season (approx. Mid‑November to Mid‑April).
• 12. Follow all applicable safety work rules and best practices, avoids unnecessary risks, and utilizes appropriate PPE.
• 13. Perform all safety inspections and ensure campus grounds, properties, vehicles, equipment, and other assets are in a safe and functional working condition.
• 14. Perform athletic field maintenance according to division specifications and tasks as assigned, including ballfield preps, end‑of‑season renovations, painting field lines, and operating field maintenance equipment.
• 15. Maintain trees according to industry standards and best management practices including planting, tree removals, proper pruning, and plant health care management.
• 16. Follow, understand, and adhere to all policies and procedures.
• 17. Supervise part‑time and student groundskeepers as assigned, communicating all job expectations, job knowledge, safety, productivity, and responsibilities.
• 18. Meet a performance rating guide of “Meets Expectations” for job performance factors and goals such as Job Knowledge, Knowledge of JJC, Quality of Work, Organization of Work, Initiative and Resourcefulness, Safety, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Work Ethic, Dependability, and Diversity and Inclusion.
• 19. Perform all other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Associate’s degree in a related field such as Ornamental Horticulture, or a minimum of 2 years full‑time related experience.
• 2. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform essential job duties with limited or no supervision.
• 3. Meet attendance expectations with a history of punctuality.
• 4. Positively contribute to the department’s culture.
• 5. Ability to follow specific verbal and/or written instructions.
• 6. Possess and maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Illinois driver’s license or obtain within 90 days.
• 7. Possess a valid Illinois pesticide applicator’s license or obtain within 90 days with Turfgrass, ornamental, and Right‑of‑way endorsements.
• 8. High mechanical ability in equipment repair.
• 9. Pass physical examination, including lifting 50 lb. from ground to waist high.
• 10. Capable of working from heights.
• 11. Ability to communicate effectively.
• 12. Ability to work with people of diverse personalities, education, and cultural background.
• 13. Proficiency in Outlook and ability to use email, time‑clock, and related computer operations.
• 14. Possess a current PLANET Certified Landscape Technician certificate or obtain within 90 days.
• 15. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships, displaying cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• 16. Demonstrated commitment to core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well‑being, innovation, and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Four years of successful experience in a related position.
• 2. Bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture.
• 3. Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member certificate.
• 4. International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
• 5. Sports Turf Managers Association Certified Sports Field Manager.
• 6. English and Spanish verbal and written proficiency.
• 7. Demonstrated multicultural competence.

Physical Demands

The employee must frequently stand, walk, bend, use hands and arms, climb ladders, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; see and hear; push or pull equipment and supplies. Must lift, carry, stack, and maneuver objects, including a minimum weight of 50 lb. Must be able to work from a ladder or power lift to a height of 30 ft.

Working Conditions

Work is indoors/outdoors and may involve exposure to chemicals, landscaping materials, dust, and noise. Frequently required to work under inclement weather. Noise level is usually moderate and occasionally loud. Must display knowledge of safe equipment operation while meeting JJC and OSHA requirements.

Equipment and/or Machines Used

• Edger, leaf blowers, commercial mowers, industrial tractors/loaders, trailers, sprayers, chainsaws, 4x4 trucks, dump trucks, backhoe, string trimmers, irrigation equipment, utility vehicles, and related equipment.

Benefits

Full‑time Union (Facility Services‑SEIU), scheduled 40 hours per week, and typical college employee benefits.

EEO Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.