GROUNDSKEEPER I

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper I responsible for the skilled maintenance of grounds, including care for grass, plants, and trees. The successful candidate will have knowledge of plant care and grounds equipment operation, with at least six months of relevant experience. The position requires good physical conditioning and flexibility in work hours, including possible evening and weekend shifts. Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a start date set for February 4, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and write English to comprehend safety information.
• Six months of experience in plant and lawn care necessary.
• Authorized to operate university vehicles as required.

Responsibilities

• Care for grass, plants, and trees.
• Maintain grounds-care equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Assist with irrigation maintenance and flexible work hours as needed.

Skills

Plant care knowledge

Equipment operation

Physical stamina

Education

Completion of 6th grade

Tools

Tractors

Power mowers

Cultivators

Hedgers

Job description

GROUNDSKEEPER I

Posting Number: SRGV8790

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Brownsville, Texas

Department: Campus Facilities Operations

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Scope of Job

Responsible for skilled maintenance of grass, plants, and trees, including determining and applying treatment to unhealthy plants.

Description of Duties

• Care for grass, plants, and trees and maintain equipment used.
• Mow grass, trim shrubs, spray plants, water plants, transplant a large variety of plants and trees, work in the greenhouse, and maintain grounds.
• Operate and prepare grounds‑care equipment.
• Assist with minor irrigation maintenance repairs as needed.
• Operate and make minor repairs on a variety of equipment, and provide technical assistance within area of responsibility.
• May be required to have a flexible work schedule, including but not limited to work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and any campus emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General direction from the assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

None.

Required Education

Completion of 6th grade; ability to read and write English well enough to comprehend Material Safety Data Sheets on chemicals and other containers, and to understand work orders, complete time cards, and receive oral and written work directions.

Preferred Education

N/A

Licenses / Certifications

Authorized to operate a University‑Owned Vehicle for Official University Business. Subject to a motor vehicle record check for the most recent 36‑month history.

Required Experience

Six (6) months of experience in the care of plants, trees, and lawns and knowledge of the operation of grounds equipment.

Preferred Experience

N/A

Equipment

Skill in the operation of tractors, cultivators, hedgers, power mowers, trucks, and other equipment used in grounds maintenance.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Exposure to weather, hazardous mechanical equipment, agricultural chemicals, and outside environments (hot, dry, wet, cold). Some work in restricted spaces, exposure to dust and dirt. Some duties may create bodily strain and discomfort. Outdoor environment; some travel and weekend work required. UTRGV is distributed; requires presence at multiple locations.

Other

Must be physically able to perform duties described above. May occasionally lift heavy objects weighing up to 100 lbs with or without assistance. Duties involve lifting, pushing, moving heavy objects; digging, stooping, crawling, climbing, reaching, and other manual activities requiring great physical exertion.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Full‑Time

Minimum Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

02/04/2026

Grant Funded Position

No

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non‑discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.