Groundskeeper (Temporary) - Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, seeks a full‑time temporary Grounds Technician to support the Grounds Department. The role is 35 hours per week with an anticipated end date in November 2026.

Responsibilities include lawn care, maintenance of trees and shrubs, planting, seasonal tasks, and general groundskeeping across campus. Teamwork, safety, and reliable effort are essential in this community‑minded Catholic university.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum one year of grounds experience or equivalent.
• Ability to lift and carry 80 pounds.
• Must be neat in appearance and able to work overtime.
• Knowledge of groundskeeping equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance of grounds and interior planting as well as related equipment.
• Lawn care tasks: seeding, mowing, fertilizing, weed control.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, flowers, and site furnishings.
• Assist with snow removal and other seasonal tasks.
• Collaborate with Grounds team in a professional manner.

Skills

Grounds experience

Overtime availability

Interpersonal skills

Neat appearance

Lifting 80 lbs

Equipment knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University's commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued. Salve Regina offers bachelor's and master's degree programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs in humanities, international relations and nursing. Enrollment includes more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Job Description:

BASIC FUNCTION:

Work in all areas of the Grounds Department according to capabilities, and needs of the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary duties involve performing various skilled and non-skilled tasks in the general, preventive, emergency, and predictive maintenance of grounds and interior planting as well as equipment and machinery associated with these operations. Perform setup and distribution tasks, as required.

Work will include (but is not limited to):

• lawn care (seeding, springing and sodding, mowing, fertilizing, spreading lime, mulching, thatching, weed control, watering, trimming, edging)
• yard waste
• maintenance of trees and shrubs (protection from equipment, people and weather, watering, trimming, fertilizing, cultivation, mulching, pruning, grading, repairs, planting, replacing)
• flowers (planting, removal, water filtration, development of beds, weeding)
• leaf removal, brush removal, walkways and parking areas (repairs, sweeping, weeding, sealing, markers)
• permanent and temporary fences, retaining walls, exterior stairs, curbs, traffic islands, site drainage, playgrounds, site furnishings, bike racks, water control, site irrigation
• snow removal, de-icing, tracks, courts, athletic playing surfaces, such as but not limited to soccer, football and baseball facilities, bleachers site lighting, flagpoles, courtyards, interior plants and planting areas
• soil management in regards to proper fertilization and maintaining appropriate ground cover, trash and litter control, graphics, bird and pest control and other work associated with landscaping and groundskeeping operations.
• Remove trash and recycling across campus.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with other Grounds department team members in a professional, supportive and courteous manner in carrying out responsibilities of this position.
• Work and prepare work using acceptable/standard methods tools, equipment and practices related to facilities and grounds activities.
• May be required to perform duties such as custodial or maintenance during emergency, or critical situations as may be directed by the AVP of Facilities Management.
• This position is classified as an "essential position". Employees who occupy an essential position ("essential personnel"), may be required to be on campus during emergencies, when work and/or classes have been cancelled. Exceptions may apply and will be determined by the department/office supervisor on a case-by-case basis.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time, 35-hours per week, temporary position with a tentative end date scheduled for the end of November 2026.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must have a home telephone service that allows Management or Security the ability to contact you.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is subject to outside work and extreme cold and hot temperatures may be encountered in this position. The potential exists where noise, vibration, hazards and atmospheric conditions might also be encountered. Use of protective equipment is required. The employee must be especially aware of any impact on safety and security.

Requirements:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year grounds experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of groundskeeping operations and equipment.
• Ability to work overtime, when required.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with supervisor, fellow coworkers and students.
• Must be neat in appearance.
• Must be able to lift and carry 80 pounds.

Preferred:

• 1+ years of grounds experience.

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.