Groundskeeper/Landscape Specialist

University of Scranton, Department of Communication & Media; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Scranton is seeking a Groundskeeper/Landscape Specialist to maintain campus landscaping, operate heavy grounds equipment, and support snow removal and special events. The position requires reliability for early morning hours and the ability to follow safety protocols.

The role emphasizes teamwork with Facilities staff, plant care for lawns and shrubs, weed control, pruning, and space design to enhance the campus appearance throughout the year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to learn new skills and train as needed.
• Able to work early morning hours and respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintains University grounds and landscapes on a routine basis.
• Operates lawn care and snow removal equipment as required.
• Plants, weeds, mulches, and maintains flower beds and shrubs.
• Supports events in university facilities as directed.
• Assists with waste removal and campus cleanliness.

Skills

Good communication

Follow instructions

Emergency availability

Operate heavy equipment

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Dump trucks

Pruners

Chain saws

Lawn mowers

Snow plows

Tractor

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title

Groundskeeper/Landscape Specialist

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University is committed to providing an educational, residential, and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the University community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, family responsibilities, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment.

About

The University will promptly address reports of discrimination under the University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (NDAH Policy) or the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy (SHSM Policy). Anyone who has questions about the above referenced policies, or wishes to report a possible violation of one of the policies should contact:

Elizabeth M. Garcia

Title IX Coordinator

Office of Institutional Compliance & Title IX

Institute of Molecular Biology & Medicine, Suite 315

[e-mail]

[phone]

https://www.scranton.edu/compliance-titleix/

The University of Scranton is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator.

University Mission

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision of Saint Ignatius Loyola, a tradition of excellence, and a commitment to the common good. The University is a community dedicated to the formation of students, and to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life.

Department Facilities Job Purpose

Responsibilities of the position include the maintenance of University landscaping and grounds, repair and maintenance of equipment assigned to the Physical Plant Department, operation of snow removal equipment, lawn care equipment, and other grounds keeping tasks to maintain a safe and attractive environment. Grounds personnel are essential employees and must be available for early morning and/or late night hours when snow or ice is forecast and for other duties as required to meet the goals and mission of the University.

Essential Duties

• Examines and polices the University grounds on a routine basis; removes chewing gum from walkways, covers graffiti on walls and other facilities and picks up litter and trash
• Mows grass and trims with power mowers and other power tools and uses tractors and riding lawnmowers to care for large lawn areas
• Polices and maintains parking lots using brooms and sweepers, installs bumper blocks to identify parking spaces and cleans and treats oil and grease spots to remove residue
• Weeds flower beds around shrubs and trees and as directed, plants flowers, shrubs, trees and other landscaping material, installs geo-textile fabric and mulch in planting beds, and performs hand excavation for planting of trees and shrubs
• Operates various grounds equipment including, skid steer loader, snow plows and blowers, power sweepers, tractor, utility vehicles, forklift, rental equipment, personnel lifts, and truck mounted leaf vacuum and tows equipment on trailers attached to trucks to various campus sites
• In consultation with supervisors, identifies areas on and around campus to construct planting beds or plant trees and shrubbery to enhance the overall appearance of the campus, identifies areas to plant flowering bulbs, and perennial and annual plants and maintains plants throughout the growing season, provides guidance and advice to building supervisors on the care of lawns, plants and shrubs located around buildings
• Determines what type and quantities of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides for plants, flowers, shrubs, and lawns are required and applies and supervises the application of these substances by other qualified employees in accordance with PA Department of Agriculture regulations
• Removes dead branches, prunes, and maintains trees using pruners and chain saws; inspects trees for damage from pests and disease
• Assists with removal and disposal of trash and debris
• Rakes leaves and grass on all properties of the University
• Provides support and manpower for events in various facilities to other University and Physical Plant departments as directed
• Removes dead animals and vermin from university facilities
• Removes avian waste from facilities

Additional Skills Required

• Must possess good oral and written communication skills and be able to follow oral and written instructions and be able to express ideas effectively and concisely
• Must be willing to seek training to enhance or learn new skills
• Must be accessible and available in the event of emergencies, for snow removal, special events or when needed to meet the ongoing missions of the University
• Must maintain certification to operate large University owned dump trucks by passing vision screening and a physical exam as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• The ability to uphold human dignity and respect by recognizing each person’s worth, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating others with kindness, fairness, and empathy
• Must be able to respect, support and contribute to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission

Minimum Education Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education Minimum Job Experience Requirements

• One (1) year experience with lawn, shrub, and plant care and working with pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides
• Certified by the PA Department Agriculture as a commercial pesticide applicator or have the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment

Preferred Qualifications Years of Experience 1 University Classification Maintenance FLSA Classification Non-Exempt Schedule/Work Hours Shift is 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Days of the week will be determined. Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Annual Schedule 12

Posting Details

Posting Number S1069P Open Date 09/03/2026 Close Date 09/17/2026 Open Until Filled No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter