Groundskeeper I

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University - College of Design is seeking a Groundskeeper I to join the Facilities Planning and Management team. The role involves operating power equipment, mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal tasks like leaf removal and snow clearing, under supervision. Schedule Mon–Fri, 6:00 a.m.

– 2:30 p.m., with focus on campus grounds safety and aesthetics. The position requires one year of groundskeeping experience and a valid U.S. Driver's License, with CDL Class B preferred.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in operating the machinery and tools used in groundskeeping or related experience/education.
• Follow oral and written instructions and specifications.
• Safely operate and maintain equipment and tools used in groundskeeping.
• Ability to lift and carry.
• Groundskeeping techniques applied to different situations.

Responsibilities

• Operates tractors with attachments to landscape and maintain grounds.
• Maintains attachments and performs minor repairs.
• Operates and maintains mowing equipment.
• Assists in cultivation and care of shrubs, trees, and flowers.
• Operates trucks and other transportation equipment as required.
• Responds to snow removal and emergency service as needed.

Skills

Experience in groundskeeping

Follow oral and written instructions

Operate and maintain equipment

Groundskeeping techniques

Lift and carry

Tools

CDL Class B with air brake

Job description

Position Title

Groundskeeper I

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in operating the machinery and tools used in groundskeeping work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals one year.
• Special Required Qualifications
• Valid U.S. Driver's License

Job Description

The Facilities Planning and Management Department at Iowa State University is seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper I to join our team. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the university's grounds, ensuring they remain attractive and well-kept throughout all seasons. Under direct supervision, the Groundskeeper I will operate and maintain power equipment, trucks, and light machinery, as well as perform a variety of landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, and planting. Seasonal maintenance, including leaf removal and snow clearing, is also a key part of the role. Working collaboratively with the groundskeeping team, this position helps uphold the beauty and safety of the campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mowing experience
• Grading experience
• Planting experience
• Tree and shrub maintenance experience
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification

Schedule

The position follows a schedule of Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates tractors with attachments such as mowers, tillers, post hole diggers and snow plows to landscape and maintain grounds including lawn areas, sidewalks, parking lots and streets.
• Maintains attachments and makes minor emergency repairs.
• Operates and maintains power and hand mowing equipment.
• Assists in the cultivation and care of shrubs, trees and flowers as directed.
• Operates trucks and other transportation equipment as required.
• Responds to calls for emergency service, including snow removal, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and specifications.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment and hand/power tools.
• Ability to apply various groundskeeping techniques to different work situations.
• Ability to lift.

Employment Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Appointment Details

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 5731a Original Posting Date: October 27, 2026 Posting Close Date: November 7, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R20150

Equal Opportunity Statement

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

Compensation Information

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current Employees Application

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

About Iowa State University

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that foster the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Employment Conditions

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.