Groundsperson (12 mon, 1st)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a grounds person for the Facilities Management department. The role involves maintaining and improving university grounds, operating light‑ and heavy‑equipment, supporting special events, and collaborating with Operators and Trades personnel on projects.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, lawn care, snow removal, irrigation setup, safety compliance, and reporting hazards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• At least one year of landscaping or groundskeeping experience.
• Experience operating light-duty equipment such as pickup trucks and riding mowers.

Responsibilities

• Operate light-duty equipment such as pickup trucks (with or without plows), utility work machines, and riding lawn mowers.
• Operate hand-held tools including weed trimmers/edgers, leaf blowers, air compressors, and snow blowers.
• Maintain and lightly service equipment—oil changes, greasing, filter changes, fluid level checks, tire inflation.
• Support sidewalk and roadway maintenance, pavement patching, signage installation, snow removal, and sand/salt treatment.
• Set up and position irrigation hoses and sprinklers where required.
• Apply seed, fertilizer, and soil amendments; perform lawn mowing; trim, remove, and plant trees; rake and collect leaves.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Assist Operators and Trades personnel with maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Coordinate project work assignments and ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Maintain housekeeping, sanitation, and safety in assigned areas.
• Report safety concerns to supervisor.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety knowledge and practices to all work.

Skills

Independent work

Equipment operation

Safety-minded

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license

Job description

Title

Grounds Person

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a grounds person for the Facilities Management department. The role involves maintaining and improving university grounds, operating light‑ and heavy‑equipment, supporting special events, and working with Operators and Trades personnel on projects.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Operate light‑duty equipment such as pickup trucks (with or without plows), utility work machines, and riding lawn mowers.
• Operate hand‑held tools including weed trimmers/edgers, leaf blowers, air compressors, and snow blowers.
• Maintain and lightly service equipment—oil changes, greasing, filter changes, fluid level checks, tire inflation.
• Support sidewalk and roadway maintenance, pavement patching, signage installation, snow removal, and sand/salt treatment.
• Set up and position irrigation hoses and sprinklers where required.
• Apply seed, fertilizer, and soil amendments; perform lawn mowing; trim, remove, and plant trees; rake and collect leaves.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Assist Operators and Trades personnel with maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Coordinate project work assignments and ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Maintain housekeeping, sanitation, and safety in assigned areas.
• Report safety concerns to supervisor.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety knowledge and practices to all work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Required Experience

• At least one year of recent landscaping or groundskeeping experience, including turf maintenance, tree/shrub planting, walkway/roadway maintenance, and snow removal.
• At least one year of recent operation and maintenance of light‑duty equipment, such as pickup trucks and riding lawn mowers.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience operating heavy equipment such as wheel loaders, skid‑steers, backhoes, and similar machinery.
• Experience with hand‑held power tools and equipment, including chainsaws and masonry saws.
• Ability to read and work from blueprints, sketches, and schematic drawings.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with B endorsement.
• Commercial pesticide applicator certification.
• First‑Aid and CPR certification.
• MIOSHA Level One or Two certification.
• Knowledge of underground utility maintenance (irrigation, storm drains, fire suppression, sanitary sewers).
• Familiarity with maintenance management software and electronic work‑request ticketing systems.
• Computer proficiency (email, text messaging, login procedures).
• Experience diagnosing and maintaining hand‑held tools and light/heavy equipment.
• Prior safety training in fall protection, ladder use, material handling, hazardous waste, etc.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/ or Abilities

• Adaptability to changing work environments and schedules.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Proficient operation of light‑duty equipment and zero‑turn riding lawnmowers.
• Knowledge of seed, fertilizer application, and lawn maintenance.
• Ability to use a respirator and complete a respiratory evaluation.
• Effective cross‑cultural communication.
• Commitment to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/ or Abilities

• Reading safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Mathematical skills for add, subtract, multiply, divide, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Reasoning ability: problem solving, data collection, fact establishment, logical conclusion.
• Handling of power hand tools and motorized equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, sweeper, and paint sprayers.
• Climbing, lifting, handling heavy materials, moving furniture, using ladders, scaffolds, and bucket trucks.
• Safe handling of seed, fertilizer, and soil amendments.
• Understanding of safe operating and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Good physical condition for safe, efficient performance.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work may occur outdoors in all weather conditions, with moderate to loud noise levels, elevated or hazardous areas, and handling chemicals. Tasks include standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms. Regular lifting of up to 50 lbs and frequent lifting of more than 100 lbs may be required. Vision, hearing, and communication skills are important.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

All employees receive mandatory university training: Employee Safety Overview, Anti‑Harassment/Discrimination/Retaliation Training, Annual Data Security Training, and Annual Title IX Training.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.