Groundsworker

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid vacation

Retirement benefits

Employee educational benefits

Life insurance coverage

Job summary

Rutgers University is looking for a Groundsworker for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). This full-time position involves various maintenance and landscaping tasks to ensure the upkeep of campus facilities and grounds.

The ideal candidate will perform a range of duties including operating equipment, planting, and maintaining landscape features. A valid driver’s license is required, alongside physical strength for lifting and carrying duties. Join Rutgers University to contribute to a vibrant campus environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and speak English suitably for job duties.
• At least two years driving experience required.

Responsibilities

• Perform general maintenance on campus grounds.
• Plant flowers, shrubs, and trees as required.
• Operate walk-behind power equipment.
• Perform snow removal duties as needed.

Skills

Landscaping tools knowledge

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Valid driver's license

Experience in grounds maintenance

Job description

Job Summary

Rutgers University seeks a Groundsworker for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under direct supervision, performs diversified maintenance, landscaping and grounds duties for campus facilities and the maintenance of grounds and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform general maintenance.
• Perform topsoil installations, rough and fine grading, establish lawns, and other grounds tasks including grass cutting, trimming, edging, trash removal, recycling, leaf removal, weeding, fertilizing, limiting, pruning, mulching, deadheading, and watering.
• Plant flowers, shrubs and trees as required.
• Seed and sod on campus grounds.
• Operate walk‑behind power equipment (tractors, lawn mowers, trimmers).
• Perform snow removal duties using snow shovels, snow blowers, and snow vehicles/plows.
• Install and maintain street signs, poles, parking bumpers, trash containers, landscape ties, snow fences and other grounds related items.
• Erect and break down bleachers, chairs and platforms, lecture hall equipment and attendant equipment used for special events.
• Pick up and deliver furniture and other equipment as needed.
• Operate university vehicles and equipment.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Must be able to read and speak English commensurate with job duties; lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and completion of Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• May be required to obtain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• One year experience in landscaping industry with knowledge of tools, methods, materials used in grounds maintenance desired.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Shift hours: Monday‑Friday 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Safe driving record required.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs.
• Competitive retirement benefits (defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options).
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable).
• Life insurance coverage.
• Employee discount programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Position Type: Full Time, 40.00 hours per week.