Groundsworker

Oakton Community College; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakton College, located in Des Plaines, IL, seeks a Groundskeeper to maintain athletic fields, lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees, and associated infrastructure. You will manage irrigation, mow, seed and weed as part of a coordinated campus maintenance program.

The role requires operating power equipment, seasonal snow removal, and adherence to safety guidelines under the supervision of the Grounds Supervisor. Excellent communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of landscaping groundskeeping and athletic fields experience.
• Illinois State Public Applicator or Operator License and/or Ornamental and Turf license must be obtained in 6 months of employment.
• Ability to operate various power equipment including lawnmowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.
• General computer knowledge is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain athletic fields, lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees, sidewalks, parking lots and drainage structures.
• Perform snow removal and seasonal grounds maintenance tasks.
• Operate power equipment and perform routine maintenance on tools.
• Follow safety protocols and supervisor instructions.
• Support additional grounds duties as assigned.

Skills

Power equipment operation

Time management

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

General computer knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawnmowers

Trimmers

Hedge trimmers

Leaf blowers

Snow blower

End loader

Air compressor

Chain saw

Job description

At Oakton College, we know education changes lives - and that starts with the people who make it happen. For more than 50 years, we've built a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds and experiences thrive.

We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future.

We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston.

As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture.

Job Description:

Basic Function and Responsibility:

Under general supervision, perform tasks involved in maintaining athletic fields, grounds, lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees, sidewalks, parking lots, roads and storm sewers and drainage structures, and snow removal.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine tasks in maintaining lawns and grounds, including seeding, fertilizing, mowing, watering and weed control, install, plant, spray and maintain flower beds.
• Plant, fertilize, spray and prune shrubs and trees.
• Maintain and repair sidewalks, roads and parking lots.
• Maintain and repair water and sanitary lines, storm sewers, drainage structures and manholes and drain lines.
• Perform tasks in snow removal including use of snowplow, UTV or tractor to remove snow and add ice control by using salt or liquid deicers. Perform leaf raking, tree cutting, grass cutting and stump removal. Cut, remove and perform tree controlled burning as needed.
• Applies fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides as directed.
• Preform daily campus litter and garbage can pick up.
• Operate job related power equipment such as end loader, snow blower, air compressor and air hammer, mowers, painter, chain saw, and other power equipment.
• Perform other general maintenance tasks as may be assigned by Supervisor or Director of Facilities.
• Perform Athletic fields maintenance, repair and striping.
• Perform Sprinkler system repair and maintenance.
• Preform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Administrative supervision is received from the Grounds Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised:

None. Functional supervision may be exercised over student employees.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
• Two years of landscaping groundskeeping and athletic fields experience.
• Illinois State Public Applicator or Operator License and /or Ornamental and Turf license must be obtained in 6 months of employment.
• Ability to operate various types of power equipment including lawnmowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments.
• Extensive knowledge of landscaping techniques and processes. Excellent time management skills. Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to give and follow directions and to follow written and oral instructions.
• General computer knowledge is required.
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and to exhibit an adequate level of respect to fellow employees and the College community at large.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Illinois State Commercial Driver's License. Class B with Air Brake Endorsement is preferred. College sponsorship for earning Class B is available.

Physical Demands:

Position requires employees to have:

• The ability to stand, walk and move for extended periods of time (75% - 100%).
• The ability to bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and reach in all directions (75% - 100%).
• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. (75% - 100%).
• The ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. (75% - 100%)
• The ability to set up and operate mechanical equipment (75% to 100%).
• The ability to work at heights and the ability to ascend/descend ladders. (25% - 50%).
• Require the use of radio communication. Employees on these shifts, using these devices, are required to have the ability to hear and exchange information clearly.

Working Conditions:

Job duties may be performed in hot, cold, dusty, dirty environments. Employees may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather conditions.

Additional Information:

Salary: The hourly salary of this position is $25.24 which equates to $50,846annualized based on Oakton's summer hours schedule

HOURS: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (hours may vary due to the needs of the College.

Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application.

Oakton College conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law and in accordance with the Illinois Department of Human Rights Conviction Record Protection Act of March 2021.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

Oakton College does not utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.