Groundskeeper Lead

University of Wisconsin; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health insurance

Paid holidays and sick days

Retirement benefits

Job summary

University of Wisconsin is seeking a Groundskeeper Lead to supervise and guide a grounds team while performing advanced grounds maintenance across campus. This role requires operating a range of heavy equipment, planning labor, and ensuring safety standards are met.

The position also involves training staff, coordinating with supervisors, and supporting special events with field and facility preparation. Overtime is required for snow removal and events.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required for state vehicle operation.
• Ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape) within 6 months of hire.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform various positions.
• Willingness to work overtime for snow removal and special events.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment and perform maintenance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train groundskeeper staff; review work and coordinate assignments.
• Plan labor and materials, maintain records, and prepare reports for supervisor.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment and perform snow removal for events.
• Maintain landscape beds, prune plants, and apply pesticides/herbicides per regulations.
• Assist with project planning, safety enforcement, and equipment procurement.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Operate heavy equipment

Physical stamina

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape)

Job description

Position Title

Groundskeeper Lead

Job Category

University Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Groundskeeper Lead

Job Duties

Under the general supervision of the Ground Services Manager, this position is responsible for performing the duties described in the Groundskeeper position in addition to performing leadworker duties such as providing training on maintaining grounds, pruning trees, gardening, snow removal, lawn care and for planning, assigning and reviewing work, monitoring the completion of work assignments and providing general assistance and guidance to assigned staff. Other duties include planning labor and materials needed, procuring equipment and supplies, assuring the safe operation of equipment and tools by staff, maintaining records and preparing reports for the supervisor, recommending projects and work assignments and evaluating and selecting vehicles, equipment and tools. Staff in this position must be able to operate all heavy duty and light duty grounds vehicles and equipment. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events. The normal work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Working Conditions

Work will be performed primarily on campus and around various campus facilities. A person in this position will be required to operate a University vehicle to and around campus daily to perform essential duties.

Physical Demands

Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Operation and Maintenance of Grounds Maintenance Equipment: Operate and maintain various equipment, e.g., dump trucks, sky workers/high-lifts, end loaders, backhoes, forklifts, tree spade, stump grinders, tractors, mowers, tillers, trailers, etc. to maintain and develop the site. Operate and maintain snow removal equipment to clear walks, streets, and parking lots of ice and snow. Complete handwork to remove snow and ice from walks, ramps, and steps. Operate and maintain turf grass maintenance equipment including; aerifiers, fertilizer spreaders, seeders, and sprayers.
• Performance of Lead Workers Duties: Guide and review the work of groundskeeper(s) and gardener. Direct the groundskeeper(s) and gardener in the absence of the Grounds Services Manager. Trains groundskeeper(s) and other staff in landscape maintenance methods and equipment operation. Coordinate project assignments as defined by Supervisor, independently plan labor and material needs to complete work. Accurately maintains records and reports including accurately and thoroughly completing work orders. Assures work rules and safety standards are enforced and reports any violations to the Supervisor. Assists with evaluation and acquisition of new purchases and requisition, including stocking of supplies. Maintains current training standards and educational developments in the field. Directs limited term employees, student workers, and/or other workers assisting with maintenance duties Coordination and scheduling of rental equipment for construction projects, athletic events, and special events.
• General Groundskeeping and Maintenance for Special Events: Empty outdoor trash and recycling containers and pick litter throughout campus. Assist with installation of fencing, bleachers, concrete flatwork, and other site work. Fabricate, paint, and repair fencing, athletic equipment, and miscellaneous equipment. Move supplies and equipment to various campus locations and assist with other physical plant operations. Prepare playing fields and facilities for athletic events, practices, and teaching stations, including initial layout and painting lines for athletic fields and set up, tear down and cleanup of site including emptying trash containers. Prepare various sites on campus for student or community events, including set up, tear down and clean‑up of site, including emptying trash containers. Accurately and thoroughly complete work orders. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Gardening Duties and Landscape Maintenance: Maintain landscape beds, including; soil preparation, soil amendment, planting, herbicide applications, fertilizer applications, weeding, removing of dead or diseased plants, dividing and moving plants, mulching, litter control, and watering. Prune woody plants for shape relative to species or location. Remove annual floral displays after frost, dig and store tubers and bulbs, and mulch perennials. Tree pruning to remove damaged, dying or dead wood or for structure and function or removal of entire trees either from the ground or using lifts. Apply pesticides and herbicides for maintenance of turf grass, flowers, trees and shrubs in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations and maintain accurate records for all pesticide and herbicide applications. Apply fertilizer to turf grass and planting beds Plant seeds, seedlings, bulbs, trees shrubs, annuals and perennials according to plans. Assist Supervisor in the selection of plants, tools, and equipment. Maintain and place boulders, benches, tables, trash receptacles, bike posts, and other site amenities. Operate and maintain underground irrigation systems.

Department

Administration and Finance

Compensation

$19.00/ hour

Required Qualifications

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle. Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of techniques to direct, motivate and lead employees in an efficient and safe manner, promoting skills in teamwork and cooperation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform the duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.
• Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules including safe work practices.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Information About Your Benefits

• Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies.

We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in‑state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose‑driven, people‑focused, and committed to stewardship.