Groundskeeper II

University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Northern Iowa is seeking a Grounds Worker to care for turf, plant trees and shrubs, apply chemicals as directed, and operate grounds equipment to maintain the campus landscape and snow removal duties.

This regular, year‑round position requires two years of grounds experience, pesticide certification eligibility, and a valid CDL Class B, with daytime hours Mon–Fri and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience operating grounds machinery and tools.
• Certification tests (3OT) for pesticide application completed or eligible.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Cares for and maintains turf areas, plants trees, shrubs and flower beds, and applies chemicals as directed.
• Operates and maintains equipment and performs other labor to maintain landscape and grounds.
• Provides functional supervision to student employees as necessary.
• Performs snow removal from streets, parking lots, sidewalks, steps and entrances.

Skills

Grounds equipment operation

Education

Pesticide applicator certification (3OT)

CDL Class B

Job description

If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.

Full Consideration Date:

9/3/2026

Job Description:

Under general supervision, cares for and maintains turf areas; plants trees, shrubs and flower bed areas and applies chemicals to same as directed; operates and maintains equipment and performs other labor as necessary to maintain landscape and grounds; operates equipment to remove and haul snow from streets, parking lots, sidewalks, steps and entrances; provides functional supervision to student employees as necessary; and performs other related duties.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Two years of experience operating the machinery and tools used in grounds work, or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years; must have successfully completed commercial certification tests (3OT-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides and eligible to be certified; may be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests as required; and possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.

Position Details:

Job Category: Merit

Type of Position: Regular

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Shift: First Shift

Pay Grade: 8 (advanced start step of 4)

Starting Hourly Rate: $21.77

Iowa’s cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at [e-mail] or call [phone].

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

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