Groundskeeper I

Texas Health and Human Services; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 28,105 - 36,482; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission in San Antonio, TX seeks a Groundskeeper I to maintain hospital grounds, assist with general maintenance, and support disaster recovery efforts. The role requires basic groundskeeping knowledge, ability to use hand and power tools, and physical stamina to lift up to 50 pounds.

Training is provided, with weekend or extended hours as needed. The position is full-time at San Antonio State Hospital, with a telework option not available.

Qualifications

• Three months’ experience as a laborer, gardener, groundskeeper, or similar work.
• Knowledge of planting and care of trees, shrubbery, flowers, and grass.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain hospital grounds including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and planting.
• Perform general maintenance, repairs, and construction work for the hospital.
• Support disaster recovery and Continuity of Operations as needed.

Skills

Groundskeeping basics

Tool handling

Reading guidelines

Tools

Hand and power tools

Lawn equipment

Job description

Date: Jul 22, 2026

Location:

SAN ANTONIO, 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 IJob Title: Groundskeeper IAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: GroundskeepingPosting Number: 19184Closing Date: 10/20/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Building and Grounds Cleaning and MaintenanceSalary Range: $2,518.41 - $3,269.08Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-08Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)Telework: Not Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 10%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: San Antonio State Hospital

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS

Other Locations: San Antonio

MOS Codes: 8000

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Groundskeeper I performs moderately complex (journey-level) grounds and building maintenance work at a State Hospital. Work involves caring for and maintaining the appearance of grounds and gardens for the hospital as well as caring for grounds keeping tools, supplies, and equipment. Provides maintenance duties for relief purposes which will include some weekend, after hour callout, and shift work as needed. Completion of work requires the use of established methods and/or techniques; decisions are varied but based on well-defined guidelines. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.

Performs groundskeeping maintenance duties at the hospital including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and removing and planting trees and shrubs.

Performs general maintenance, repairs, and construction work for the hospital.

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 of the planting and care of trees, shrubbery, flowers, and grass

Knowledge of hand and power tools and equipment

Knowledge, skills, and ability in the use of lawn, garden, farm tools, and equipment

Knowledge, skills, and ability in the use of a variety of hand and power tools (e.g. construction and repair)

Knowledge, skills, and ability associated with the care and management of livestock and wildlife.

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 both orally and in writing.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.

Ability to work in hot and/or cold conditions.

Ability to work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and patients.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

Three (3) months’ experience as a laborer, farmer, gardener, florist helper, groundskeeper, or similar work involving general duties which may include the planting and maintenance of vegetation, landscaping, nursery inspections, or equivalent to a Groundskeeper.

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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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: San Antonio