Groundskeeper I

Texas Health and Human Services; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Groundskeeper I in Abilene, TX. The role involves maintaining grounds and gardens, assisting with facility upkeep, and supporting environmental staff across shifts in a state-supported living center.

Responsibilities include mowing, landscaping, basic repairs, and mentoring staff. Regular hours, potential on-call periods, and weekend/holiday work may be required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or work experience.
• Applicants must pass fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and LEIE.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, including rotating shifts, overtime as needed.
• Performs grounds keeping maintenance duties at the facility including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, removing and planting trees and shrubs.
• Inspects, oversees, and mentors the Environmental Home staff.
• Trains Environmental Home staff on proper techniques and procedures.
• Performs general maintenance, repairs, and construction work for the facility.
• Other duties as assigned including disaster response/COOP and alternate shift patterns.

Skills

Lawn tools

Hand tools

Livestock care

English fluency

Reading instructions

Math basics

Communication

Written & oral instructions

Train others

Lifting 50 lbs

Standing/walking

Work in extreme temps

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Date: Aug 5, 2026

Location:

ABILENE, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Groundskeeper I Job Title: Groundskeeper I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Groundskeeping Posting Number: 19750 Closing Date: 09/04/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range: $2,518.41 - $3,269.08

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-08

Shift: Day

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Abilene State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: ABILENE

Job Location Address: 2501 MAPLE ST

Other Locations: Abilene

MOS Codes: 8000

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Performs moderately complex journey-level grounds and building maintenance work at a State Supported Living Center. Work involves caring for and maintaining the appearance of grounds, and gardens for the facility as well as caring for grounds keeping tools, supplies, and equipment. Works under general supervision of the Maintenance Technician Supervisor with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May perform duties in various environmental maintenance areas within the homes where the individuals live. May provide other maintenance duties as needed for relief purposes and will include some weekend, after hour callout, and shift work as needed. Completion of work requires use of established methods and/or techniques and decisions are varied but based on well-defined guidelines.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
• Performs grounds keeping maintenance duties at the facility including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, removing and planting trees and shrubs.
• Inspects, oversees, and mentors the work of the Environmental Home staff.
• Trains Environmental Home staff on proper techniques and procedures.
• Performs general maintenance, repairs, and construction work for the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge, skill, and ability to use lawn / garden / farm tools and equipment.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to use a variety of hand and power tools (construction / repair).
• Knowledge, skill, and ability associated with the care and management of livestock and wildlife.
• Must be able to meet facility driver requirements.
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to read, understand and apply a variety of inter-related instructions such as those found in guidelines, regulations and policies.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended period of time.
• Ability to work in hot and/or cold conditions.
• Ability to work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and residents.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

None

Initial Screening Criteria

• High School diploma, GED or work experience.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Abilene