Groundskeeper/Porter

University Partners; Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative team environment

Professional growth opportunities

Competitive pay and benefits

Job summary

University Partners is seeking a Groundskeeper/Porter in Blacksburg, VA to maintain community grounds and common areas, perform minor landscaping, and support maintenance tasks as needed.

The role emphasizes outdoor work, attention to cleanliness, and responsive service to residents and staff. Training and a collaborative team environment are offered, with opportunities to contribute to daily operations and safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must be familiar with basic maintenance and minor repairs of small engines.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow cleaning-product labels, safety instructions, and posted work procedures.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds and common areas, including landscaping duties as needed.
• Provide excellent service to residents, guests, employees, and contractors.
• Clean and monitor trash receptacle locations and amenity areas.
• Assist with minor work orders and inspections as directed by supervision.
• Deliver resident correspondence and packages as requested.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Time management

Outdoor work

Safety awareness

Education

Less than high school education or up to 6 months related experience

Broad-based experience in ground maintenance

Job description

Groundskeeper/Porter

JOB PURPOSE:

Many of the larger communities will have a dedicated Groundskeeper who is responsible for maintaining all common areas and the grounds of each community in clean condition at all times. The Groundskeeper will also perform any minor landscaping duties that the landscaping contractor does not include in their responsibilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will always include those specifically assigned by the immediate supervisor
• Providing excellent service to residents, guests, employees and contractors.
• Cleaning and monitoring trash receptacle locations on property.
• Cleaning all amenity areas including the clubhouse, model apartment, pool, sport courts and restrooms.
• Clearing and removing debris from community grounds, breezeways and amenity areas.
• Completing and assisting with minor work orders as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor.
• Delivering resident correspondence and packages to units as requested.

Daily/Weekly

• Meetings: Meet with Maintenance Supervisor daily to review work orders and assignments. Communicate all maintenance concerns. Expect to receive a daily list of assignments and direction from Maintenance Supervisor.
• Timekeeping: Keep a record of hours utilizing company provided forms/software. Obtain authorization to work overtime from Maintenance Supervisor or Community Manager.
• Common Area Inspection/Pick-up: Pickup debris and pet waste and perform inspection of all areas daily, before the office is open for business. Always be diligent to look for maintenance issues.
• Grounds Maintenance: Per schedule provided by Maintenance Supervisor, keep grounds maintained and free of debris. Always be diligent to look for maintenance issues.
• Trash: Maintain trash receptacles to be clean and clear, always available for residents. Any back-ups, overflows, or malfunctions should be reported to Maintenance Supervisor or Community Manager immediately. Assist with City pick up, when necessary.
• Pressure Washing: At direction of Maintenance Supervisor, perform pressure washing of common areas, walks and buildings.

• Custodial/Cleaning: At direction of Maintenance Supervisor, perform sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, trash removal and other cleaning in interior common areas and units.
• Workorders: Complete minor workorders as directed. Ensure 24-hour response policy.
• Breezeway Cleanliness: Enforce trash standards on property. Report violations to Maintenance Supervisor so notices to residents can be issued.
• Pool Maintenance: At the direction of Maintenance Supervisor, log and maintain pool chemicals daily, according to local code.
• Logs: At direction of Maintenance Supervisor, maintain MSDS/OSHA/EPA logs in shop and office. Keep abreast of changes to MSDS sheets.
• Maintenance Inventory: Inform Maintenance Supervisor of supplies needed.
• Weekend Coverage: Per schedule provided by Maintenance Supervisor, provide coverage of common areas on weekends and Saturday afternoon cleans.

Monthly/Ongoing

Scheduled Inspections: Review Preventative Maintenance Calendar on monthly basis. At the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, perform following duties on a monthly basis:

• a. Landscape walk with Maintenance Supervisor
• b. Breezeway Inspections
• c. Safety and Trip Hazard Inspections

Monthly Safety Meeting: Attend a monthly safety meeting to stay informed of safety regulations and changes. Utilize meeting to communicate problems and get direction on better ways of doing things and improved cost control.

Equipment Inventory: Ensure proper equipment is kept in inventory. Report missing/broken equipment immediately to Maintenance Supervisor. Assist in the verification of inventory as directed. Advise Maintenance Supervisor of any needed equipment/supplies.

Education: Keep Maintenance Supervisor updated on education and certification needs. Ensure and required licenses and certifications are kept current.

Move-Out/Move-In

• Vendor Assistance: Work with vendors during process and provide input to Maintenance Supervisor regarding vendors’ status and adherence to schedule.
• Unit Punch: Complete unit punch at the direction of Maintenance Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrates a high level of cleanliness, organization, and respect for the property and landscaping.
• Willing and eager to learn new tasks, procedures, and safety practices.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow cleaning-product labels, safety instructions, and posted work procedures.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from a supervisor.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills necessary to complete routine job duties.
• Previous landscaping, maintenance, groundskeeping, or housekeeping experience preferred.
• Professional, dependable, and energetic demeanor.
• Strong customer service, communication, and listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage time effectively.
• Patient, even-tempered, and able to work efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Receptive to coaching, direction, and constructive feedback.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Availability to work weekends, overtime, or flexible hours as business needs require.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Less than high school education; or up to six months related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Broad-based experience in all phases of ground maintenance. Must be familiar with basic maintenance and minor repairs of small engines.

Come Join Our Team—Here’s Why!

At University Partners, you’ll join a supportive, team-oriented workplace where your contributions matter. We offer opportunities to learn, grow, and make a visible difference in the communities we serve.

• Collaborative and welcoming team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive pay and benefits for eligible employees
• Meaningful work that supports a positive resident experience
• A company that values teamwork, service, and operational excellence

Bring your energy, attention to detail, and commitment to great service—we’d love to have you on our team!