Groundskeeper I, II, or III

University of New England; Portland, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plan options

Retirement plan match

Generous leave time + holidays

Educational benefits: tuition waiver

Job summary

University of New England is seeking a Groundskeeper to join our Facilities Management team in Portland, ME. The position may be filled at Groundskeeper I, II, or III level based on experience, qualifications and equipment skills.

The role covers year-round maintenance, appearance and safety of campus grounds and athletic fields, including mowing, trimming, planting, snow removal, and minor repairs. Opportunities for advancement exist with responsibilities increasing at higher levels.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, turfgrass management or related fields is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Mowing, trimming, planting, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, seeding and seasonal cleanup.
• Athletic field maintenance, 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.
• Grounds improvement projects including drainage, landscaping, fencing, signage and storm cleanup.
• Evening, weekend, holiday or extended-hour work as needed for snow events or emergencies.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Lawn maintenance

Equipment operation

Snow removal

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Type

Position Type Professional Staff

Faculty Track

Position Title

Position Title Groundskeeper I, II, or III

Employment Status

Employment Status Full Time

Months

Months 12

Campus

Campus Portland, ME

Description

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 hands‑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

This role supports the year‑round maintenance, appearance, and safety of University grounds and athletic fields.

Responsibilities may include:

• 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.

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

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

Posting Number

Posting Number 2022PS0954P

Open Date

Open Date 09/23/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes