Groundskeeper I

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking a Groundskeeper to perform grounds maintenance including planting, mulching, weeding, and waste collection. They ensure compliance with campus waste programs and may assist with small office moves and event setups.

The role involves snow and ice removal, campus cleanup, and operating small grounds equipment to support a safe, attractive campus environment year-round.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience (e.g. landscaping, recycling/waste management, exterior cleaning, warehouse, construction).
• Valid and clean driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Weeds, cleans and mulches planting beds, practices integrated pest management, applies compost and fertilizers, cultivates soil, plants, and prunes to keep beds neat.
• Removes trash, recycling, compost, and cardboard; empties outdoor bins and maintains site cleanliness.
• Operates grounds equipment (power mowers, edgers, trimmers, etc.) to perform maintenance tasks.
• Aids in intercampus moves and supports campus events, including moving furniture and setting tables while ensuring safe storage of materials.
• Performs snow and ice removal to keep public areas safe.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Self-direction

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or equivalent

Job description

American University Overview

American University is a student-centered research institutionlocated in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges,internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creatingmeaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department

Grounds Maintenance Zone A

Time Type

Full time

Job Type

Regular

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Work Modality

Full On Campus Presence

Union

Excluded

Job Description

Summary

The Groundskeeper performs grounds maintenance, including planting,mulching, weeding, servicing outdoor trash receptacles, and removalof litter. They work to ensure the success of the campus waste andmaterials management programs, which entails the collection ofrecycling, compost, trash, and other materials throughout campus.When needed, they assist in performing small office moves, setupsfor university functions, and facilitating the storage andredistribution of durable goods. They also engage in snow and iceremoval, campus clean up, hardscape maintenance, and operate smallgrounds equipment. The Groundskeeper typically works withinassigned zone. However, the incumbent may be assigned to assistwith work within and outside unit. Incumbent may be requested toserve on various department and/or university committees.

Essential Functions

• Weeds, cleans and mulches planting beds, practices integratedpest management, applies compost and fertilizers, cultivates soil,plants, and prunes to ensure a neat clean bed appearance. Rakes andgrades lawn areas in preparation of seeding or sodding. Assistswith leaf removal operations, athletic field work, landscapeprojects, and other assigned tasks as required to ensure efficientaccomplishment of the workload.
• Removes trash, recycling, compost, and cardboard fromdesignated sites and disposes of those materials intotheirproperly specified compactors. Checks and empties outdoor trash andrecycling bins. Performs policing of assigned area for litter toensure cleanliness of assigned zone. Sweeps sidewalks, courtyards,and walkway using hand or power equipment.
• Operates equipment including power mowers, sweepers, edgers,hedge trimmers, snow blowers, weed trimmers, power washers, etc.,to accomplish required grounds and facilities maintenancetasks.
• Aids in performing intercampus moves and supports campusevents, including moving furniture and setting out tables, chairs,and collapsible waste bins. Assists in transportation and storageof other materials, including durable goods for reuse and specialtywaste streams like electronic waste.
• Performs snow and ice removal and applies deicing materials toensure the safety of public areas for the universitycommunity.

Competencies

• Serving Customers.
• Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time.
• 40 hours per week.
• Must be available for weekend and overtime work as scheduled orneeded for snow removal and other assigned work.
• Serves as an essential employee on the winter weather emergencyteam.

Salary Range

• 22.86 - 25.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience (e.g. landscaping,recycling/waste management, exterior cleaning, warehouse,construction).
• Valid and clean driver’s license.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent.
• Course work in horticulture, sustainability, environmentalmanagement.
• Experience with recycling, composting, and landfill diversionoperations.
• Experience working with students.
• Ability to obtain pesticide certification.
• Knowledge of proper planting and pruning techniques for trees,shrubs, flowers, etc.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Knowledge of work methods, equipment, and procedures to assurehealth and safety standards and precautions are applied to workperformed.
• Ability to obtain authorization to operate a universityvehicle.
• Strong knowledge of recycling practices, standards, andoperations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. and capacity to work inseasonal weather conditions.
• Self-direction and attention to detail.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover orcontain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time withor without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefitoptions

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successfulcompletion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University mustdeliver their services to the university from either the Districtof Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at theuniversity.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover orcontain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any timewith or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through theiremployee Workday account. If you are a current employee at AmericanUniversity, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs reportwhich will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American Universitycareers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative actioninstitution that operates in compliance with applicable laws andregulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy),age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personalappearance, gender identity and expression, familyresponsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteranstatus, an individual’s genetic information or any other basesunder federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in itsprograms and activities.