Groundskeeper I, II, or III

University of New England; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plans

Retirement plan match

Paid time off + holidays

Tuition waiver for employees

Dependent tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of New England is seeking a Groundskeeper to join our Facilities Management team in Portland, ME. The role may be filled at Groundskeeper I, II, or III based on experience and skills. Expect duties across mowing, planting, turf care, and seasonal snow operations.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license. The position offers full-time, year-round employment with benefits and opportunities for career progression within Grounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• Experience in grounds maintenance or related field encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, plant, mulch, prune, fertilize, seed, weed control, leaf removal, and seasonal cleanup."
• Maintain athletic fields, prep and turf repair.
• Snow and ice removal using plows, spreaders, and snow blowers.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Horticulture

Turfgrass management

Athletic field care

Snow operations

Irrigation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Plows

Spreaders

Snow blowers

Grounds vehicles

Job description

Position Information

• Position Type: Professional Staff, Faculty Track
• Position Title: Groundskeeper I, II, or III
• Employment Status: Full Time
• Months: 12
• Campus: Portland, ME

The University of New England is seeking a Groundskeeper to join our Facilities Management team. This position may be filled at the Groundskeeper I, II, or III level based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, equipment skills, and specialized knowledge.

About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one‑of‑a‑kind study‑abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hand-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits:
  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners
  • UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full‑time service
    • 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full‑time service

Responsibilities

• Mowing, trimming, planting, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, seeding, weed control, leaf removal, and seasonal cleanup.
• Athletic field maintenance, preparation, grooming, and turf repair.
• Snow and ice removal using plows, spreaders, snow blowers, and other Grounds equipment.
• Operation of grounds vehicles and equipment appropriate to experience and training.
• Equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
• Grounds improvement projects including drainage, landscaping, fencing, signage, and storm cleanup.
• Recycling, composting, waste collection, event setup, deliveries, and other Facilities support as needed.
• At higher levels, independently managing assigned areas or projects and providing guidance to less‑experienced staff.
• Evening, weekend, holiday, or extended‑hour work as needed for snow events, emergencies, Athletics, and other University needs.

Qualifications

Candidates with a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Relevant experience may include grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, turfgrass management, athletic fields, snow removal, equipment operation, construction, or related work. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

• Groundskeeper I: Typically 0-2 years of relevant experience. Entry‑level candidates with mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
• Groundskeeper II: Typically 2-5 years of relevant experience with the ability to independently perform routine grounds work and demonstrated knowledge in grounds maintenance, equipment operation, horticulture, turfgrass, athletic fields, or a related specialty.
• Groundskeeper III: Typically 5+ years of relevant experience with advanced grounds skills and demonstrated proficiency in at least one specialty such as horticulture, turfgrass management, athletic field management, irrigation, snow operations, or advanced equipment operation.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extension.

Anticipated Pay Range

$22.00 to $26.00 per hour, depending on position level, experience, and qualifications.