Groundskeeper II

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia, through Landscape Services, is seeking a Groundskeeper II to maintain MU’s campus grounds and support the MU Botanic Garden initiative. This role emphasizes plant care, turf management and landscape construction across a dynamic campus environment.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of grounds maintenance methods, and the ability to lift heavy objects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of tools, methods and materials used in grounds maintenance and landscape construction.
• Ability to lift 50-75 lbs daily.
• A valid Missouri driver’s license is required.
• Missouri Certified Public Operators Pesticide License or ability to obtain within six months after employment.

Responsibilities

• Plant, transplant and cultivate trees, shrubs and flowers; determine water requirements of plants and turf, irrigate as necessary.
• Prune trees, shrubs and flowers according to standard horticultural practices as necessary to maintain good plant health.
• Identify weeds, insects and diseases; mix and apply pesticides safely, according to label instructions and as directed.
• Apply fertilizers and calibrate application equipment.
• Build stone or tie walls and plant beds; repair landscape irrigation systems.
• Perform general grounds maintenance duties: remove leaves, mow grass, aerate turf, weed beds, sow grass seed and lay sod.
• Perform hand grading, excavating and shovel work. Remove snow from streets and sidewalks.
• Will be on call for snow removal.
• May operate tractors, trucks, lawn mowers, chain saws and miscellaneous equipment.
• Perform maintenance on grounds keeping equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy lifting (50-75 lbs)

Grounds maintenance knowledge

Shovel snow

Operate landscaping equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grounds equipment operation

Job description

Job Description

At Landscape Services, we take pride in shaping the natural beauty of MU’s campus, transforming it into the Mizzou Botanic Garden—a vibrant, inspiring environment for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Our dedicated team of arborists, designers, and gardeners work together to cultivate and maintain the stunning landscapes that make MU not just a place of learning, but a place to thrive. From preserving mature trees to creating exciting new garden designs, we are committed to making the campus a dynamic and enjoyable space for everyone.

Hiring Department

Landscape Services

Nature and Level of Work

Maintain and install campus landscapes and grounds. Work differs from similar classifications in that a higher degree of knowledge in grounds keeping and landscaping methods must be applied to primary assignments. Review is accomplished through observation of results with particular emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, appearance and conformance with instructions. Functional contacts include co-workers, other service department employees and other University staff and students.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant, transplant and cultivate trees, shrubs and flowers; determine water requirements of plants and turf, irrigate as necessary.
• Prune trees, shrubs and flowers according to standard horticultural practices as necessary to maintain good plant health.
• Identify weeds, insects and diseases; mix and apply pesticides safely, according to label instructions and as directed.
• Apply fertilizers and calibrate application equipment.
• Build stone or tie walls and plant beds; repair landscape irrigation systems.
• Perform general grounds maintenance duties: remove leaves, mow grass, aerate turf, weed beds, sow grass seed and lay sod.
• Perform hand grading, excavating and shovel work. Remove snow from streets and sidewalks.
• Will be on call for snow removal.
• May operate tractors, trucks, lawn mowers, chain saws and miscellaneous equipment.
• Perform maintenance on grounds keeping equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday

Minimum Qualifications

A job offer for this position is contingent on passing a physical examination to determine if the candidate possesses the physical capabilities necessary to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• Knowledge of tools, methods and materials used in grounds maintenance and landscape construction.
• Ability on a daily basis to:
• Grasp, lift, carry and set down heavy objects (50-75 lbs.)
• Shovel snow, climb ladders and operate heavy power equipment
• A valid Missouri driver’s license is required.
• Missouri Certified Public Operators Pesticide License or the ability to obtain within six months after employment is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Two Years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscape construction, or related area.

A valid driver’s license which will allow the legal operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Missouri is required

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $17.00 - $17.90 per hour

Grade: GGS-C

University Title: Groundskeeper II

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

The internal union bid period for this position ended on 8/26. All qualified internal and external candidates are now welcome to apply.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.