Groundskeeper I

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 23,281 - 34,991; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Sick and vacation time

12 paid holidays per year

Retirement and financial planning resources

Educational benefits for employees and dependents

Employee wellness program

Free use of on-site fitness facilities

Job summary

The Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to perform essential duties, including lawn care, snow removal, and equipment operation. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to learn.

The pay ranges from $16.90 to $25.40 per hour with benefits including medical coverage, paid holidays, and educational benefits. The role is entry-level, requiring close supervision and specific skills in maintaining landscapes safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Entry-level role with routine tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance activities like mowing and pruning.
• Care for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
• Remove litter and maintain hard surfaces.

Skills

Knowledge of grounds landscape and hardscape maintenance

Knowledge of horticulture practices

Skill in operating groundskeeping tools and machinery

Ability to read and interpret landscaping plans

Ability to maintain grounds in an attractive condition

Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE)

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Groundskeeping tools

Power tools

Snow plows

Tractors

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, aerating, weeding, mulching, trimming, grubbing, removing thatch, trimming/edging, mowing and/or pruning.
• Care for lawn, gardens, shrubs, flowers, flower beds, trees and walkways.
• Remove litter from grounds by emptying trash containers, and sweeping doorways, steps, and fire exits.
• Remove signage/posters, graffiti, and properly dispose of dead animals, bodily fluids, etc.
• Provide proper upkeep of hard surface areas including sidewalks, concrete pavers, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, or other outdoor structures and amenities.
• Perform removal of snow and ice from assigned areas such as roads, walkways, parking lots, and stairs using hand and power snow removal equipment.
• Spread salt, sand, and deicers to prevent slipping.
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools, equipment, snow plows, and tractors.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of equipment as needed.
• Provide support for special events throughout campus, including delivery of signage, grills, and barricades.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of grounds landscape and hardscape maintenance.
• Knowledge of horticulture practices.
• Skill in operating a variety of groundskeeping tools and machinery efficiently and safely.
• Skill in reading and interpreting landscaping plans and work orders.
• Ability to maintain grounds and landscaped areas in an attractive, safe, and functional condition.
• Ability to select and use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for tasks performed and conditions encountered.

Minimum Education & Experience

High School diploma or GED; 1 year of relevant experience. Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 1 – an entry‑level role building knowledge and skills. Performs routine, well‑defined, easy‑to‑understand tasks that can typically be learned in a short period of time. Work is performed under close supervision using clearly prescribed methods and detailed instructions.

Driver’s License Requirements

A pre‑employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is required in accordance with RIT’s Vehicle and Driver Safety Procedures.

FLSA Category

Non‑Exempt

Schedule

Work hours may fall between Sunday–Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., based on departmental needs. This position is designated as essential personnel during the winter months and requires flexibility, including call‑ins, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and non‑standard work hours.

Salary

$16.90 to $25.40 per hour

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Sick and vacation time
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Retirement and financial planning resources
• Educational benefits for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program
• Free use of on‑site fitness facilities

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585‑475‑2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.