Groundskeeper III

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

University of Florida is seeking a Groundskeeper III to maintain and manage sports turf, fields, and related facilities on the Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. The role involves turf management, landscaping, irrigation system maintenance, and supervision tasks as assigned by a supervisor.

Candidates should have an approved apprenticeship or a high school diploma with two years of related experience, a valid driver's license, and willingness to work in a dynamic campus environment.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in a recognized trade with 2 years of experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Preferred: 3 years of field maintenance in a campus recreation setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and upkeep natural grass recreation fields, synthetic turf surfaces, and outdoor court facilities.
• Perform turf management activities including field grooming, surface repairs, field painting, and routine inspections.
• Assist with maintenance programs for athletic fields including fertilization, weed control, disease prevention, pest management, soil health monitoring.
• Perform general landscaping: trash collection, mowing, edging, grading, blowing and trimming.
• Install, maintain, and repair athletic field irrigation systems; operate equipment and vehicle as needed.

Education

Apprenticeship program in a recognized trade

High school diploma

Job description

Groundskeeper III

Job No: 540869

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Facilities Operations/Skilled Trades, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department: 04020000 - SL-RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Job Description

Classification Title: Groundskeeper III

Classification Minimum Requirements: Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in a recognized trade and appropriate experience for a total of two years; or a high school diploma and two years of appropriate experience; appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

• Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of natural grass recreation fields, synthetic turf surfaces, and outdoor court facilities. Performs turf management activities such as field grooming, surface repairs, field painting, and routine inspections to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically maintained facilities.
• Assists with the implementation of comprehensive maintenance programs for athletic and activity fields, including fertilization, weed control, disease prevention, pest management, soil health monitoring, and other turf-related practices to promote healthy and sustainable playing surfaces.
• Perform general landscaping needs for outdoor recreation facilities to include trash collection, mowing, edging, grading, blowing and trimming
• Responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing athletic field irrigation systems, including, but not limited to, valves, switches, distribution heads, underground piping and electrical timers
• Operate large vehicles, tractors, mowers, power tools and other specialized maintenance equipment
• Provide feedback to supervisor regarding the safety and/or condition of programs, equipment and facilities; conduct daily observations and/or use said equipment and facilities; immediately document and address all safety concerns; and operate a state vehicle as needed; Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Expected Salary

$20.50 - $21.70

Required Qualifications

Completion of an approved apprenticeship program in a recognized trade and appropriate experience for a total of two years; or a high school diploma and two years of appropriate experience; appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years of experience in field maintenance in a campus recreation setting; ability to work with minimal supervision, to think laterally and to undertake initiatives; ability to effectively supervise; and is self-motivated, adaptable, a great team player and customer focused.

Possession of a valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, or the ability and desire to obtain licensure upon hire.

Designated essential employee and may be required to work during campus closures.

Health Assessment Required: Yes

This position is eligible for Veteran's preference.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Applications Close: 23 August 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.