Groundskeeper Landscape A (Berks)

Penn State University; Penn (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a groundskeeper/landscape technician to maintain lawns and athletic areas, apply fertilizers and pesticides, and support campus landscape projects. The role requires operating a range of equipment and adhering to safety and label instructions.

The position emphasizes seasonal responsibilities, background checks, and union-labor context. A valid PA pesticide certification (Categories 6 & 7) and 3–6 months of experience are required.

Qualifications

• 3 to 6 months of effective experience.
• Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification with Categories 6 and 7.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, athletic areas, and landscapes: mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aerating, and seeding.
• Identify and treat lawn diseases, weeds, and pests; apply sprays to trees and shrubs.
• Prepare and mix chemicals per label instructions; care for indoor plants as directed.
• Operate heavy and field equipment and small machinery; perform routine maintenance checks.
• Assist with snow removal, ice control, and event setup as required.
• Support campus grounds maintenance and safety protocols.

Skills

Lawn maintenance

Pesticide application

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Plant care

Teamwork

Tools

Lawn equipment

Job description

Job Description And Position Requirements

• Mow, trim, fertilize, aerate, roll, seed, reseed, irrigate, topdress, dethatch lawns including athletic areas
• Identify and treat common lawn diseases, weeds, and insect pests
• Identify and treat common insect pests and diseases of flowers, trees and shrubs
• Apply spray material and fertilizers to trees and shrubs
• Prepare and mix chemicals per label instructions
• Care for indoor plants as directed
• Control pests using various acceptable methods
• Layout and line athletic areas, and erect equipment as required
• Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, paper, spoil, cinders, and rubbish from walks, roads, curbs, parking lots, lawns, and other college property
• Operate trucks, tractors, front end loader, back hoe, power mowers, sprayers, spreaders, york rake, chain saw, lawn mowers, chipper, stump grinder, specialty grounds equipment, and other landscape and light construction equipment
• Establish sub grades and finish grades, for lawns, athletic areas, etc.
• Erect or move various types of fence, posts, traffic and directory signs, dig holes, trenches, ditches, foundations, for construction and repair as directed
• Remove snow and ice as scheduled, spread anti-skid and chemical ice and snow remover on walks, steps, and roads
• Operate large and small snow plows and blowers
• Vacuum and sweep walks and drives
• Clean catch basins and road drains
• Plant, transplant, prune, weed, feed, cultivate, remove, trees, flowers, and shrubs
• Make minor repairs and adjustments to chain saw, trimmers, and other small equipment in the field
• Perform daily checks on assigned vehicles and equipment
• Pump gasoline
• Set up safety equipment and barriers around work zone
• Spot clean areas of buildings
• Assist maintenance mechanics as required
• Replace interior and exterior burned out light bulbs
• Move furniture and equipment
• Set up for events
• Take down and clean up after events

Job Requirements: Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including decimals and fractions; simple use of formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams, together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments, graduates and the like requiring interpretation in their various applications; or the posting, preparation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data. A Pennsylvania Pesticite Applicator's License Category 6 and 7 required. 3 to 6 months of effective experience.

Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Days Off: Saturday, Sunday

Qualifications

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

3 to 6 months of effective experience

Required Certifications

Pennsylvania Pesticite Applicator Certification with Categories 6 and 7 - Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary And Benefits

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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