Groundskeeper Landscape A (Berks)

The Pennsylvania State University; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Job summary

Penn State is seeking a Groundskeeping/Facilities Worker to maintain lawns, athletic areas, and landscapes on campus. You will perform mowing, fertilizing, aeration, seeding, irrigation, and dethatching, with duties extending to trees, shrubs, and seasonal tasks.

A valid pesticide license and basic arithmetic skills are required, along with 3–6 months of related experience. The role operates on a daytime schedule, requires driving duty as part of the campus grounds team, and offers comprehensive

Qualifications

• Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic, including decimals and fractions.
• 3 to 6 months of effective experience.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, fertilize, aerate, seed, reseed, irrigate, topdress and dethatch lawns and athletic areas.
• Identify and treat common lawn diseases, weeds and insect pests.
• Care for flowers, trees and shrubs and apply spray materials and fertilizers.
• Prepare and mix chemicals per label instructions and operate landscape equipment.
• Remove debris, maintain grounds, and set up safety equipment for work zones.
• Assist maintenance staff and perform routine vehicle/equipment checks.
• Set up for events and handle post-event cleanup.

Skills

Commercial English

Arithmetic

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, interpretation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data. A Pennsylvania Pesticide 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 Pesticide 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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