Groundskeeper - Facilities Planning and Management

University of Wisconsin Colleges; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin Colleges seeks a Groundskeeper to join Facilities Planning and Management at UW-Whitewater. The role performs year-round landscaping, snow removal, and grounds maintenance to keep campus grounds safe and welcoming.

Responsibilities include operating a variety of equipment, adhering to safety rules, assisting with campus events, and supporting Fleet operations as needed. The schedule is typically 6 am–2 pm, Monday through Friday, with possible overtime for snow removal.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks including bending, standing for long periods, stooping and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and remediates plant diseases and insect damage.
• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Installs, propagates, and maintains health of new and existing plants and landscape using various vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure debris, litter, snow and ice are removed.
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Supports campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling university fleet vehicles.

Skills

Valid Driver's License

Manual labor capability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

## Groundskeeper - Facilities Planning and ManagementApply: Onsite: Whitewater, WI: Full time: Posted Today: JR10015329## ***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 - Facilities Planning and Management## **Job Category:**University Staff## **Employment Type:**Regular## **Job Profile:**Groundskeeper## **Job Duties:** **Attention:** The Department of Facilities Planning and Management in the Division of Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Groundskeeper. **Position Summary:** This position performs year-round landscaping and groundskeeping activities to maintain and improve University grounds. Employees in this class also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to carry out maintenance tasks. This position will be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. Position is listed as a level 2 for risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Buildings & Grounds Manager and the Grounds Lead. The normal work schedule for this position is 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. Position work schedule may change, including evening, weekend and holiday hours, based upon operational need for snow and ice removal.**Goals and Activities** **70% Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities** * Mow, trim, rake, edge, aerate and water turfgrass.* Restore bare areas in turfgrass by seeding or sodding as appropriate.* Pick up and dispose of litter, leaves branches and other miscellaneous outdoor debris.* Cultivate, edge, plant, weed, mulch and water gardens and landscape beds as directed.* Assist in the propagation and care of annual and perennial plants grown in a greenhouse environment.* Plant and prune trees and shrubs and mulch as directed.* Safely use and operate chainsaws and woodchippers to dispose of tree waste as required.* Treat lawns, gardens and flower beds with fertilizer, plant protectants and pest control products as directed.* Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.* Inspect, clean and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.**20% Perform Winter snow and ice control activities** * Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season, and return to active state the following spring.* Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, roads and parking lots.* Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs and sidewalks.* Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.**10% Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned** * Police campus grounds for litter and trash* Install and repair signs, posts, fences bike racks and other campus amenities.* Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment.* Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events.* Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various University fleet vehicles.* Other duties as assigned. **This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees. Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility.** **CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:** University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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. **UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.**## **Key Job Responsibilities:*** Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage* Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs* Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment* Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice* Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding **Department:** Facilities Planning and Management **Compensation:** Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting hourly rate of $17.00 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure. **Required Qualifications:** * H.S. Diploma* Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment(https://www.uww.edu/adminaffairs/hr/vehicle-and-driving-information#become-an-authorized-driver) **Preferred Qualifications:** * Prior experience preforming landscaping and grounds maintenance in a professional setting.* Prior experience performing snow removal using trucks, loaders, tractors or specialized equipment in a professional setting. **Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:** * Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle.* Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for long periods, stooping, kneeling and walking significant distances.* Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30’ etc.* Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students.* Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.* Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.* Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed.* Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment* Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills **How to Apply:****Only complete application packages will be considered.** This includes online submission of the following documents:* Cover Letter* Resume* Name and contact information for three **professional** references **Contact Information:** If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. For questions regarding this position, please contact:**Stephanie Lederman**[e-mail] **To Ensure Consideration:** Applications received by **October 8th, 2026** are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.