Landscape Tech I

SilkRoad; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 49,594,000 - 57,859,000; Full time

Job summary

Valparaiso University is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds, roads, walkways, and signage. Responsibilities include mowing, edging, planting, pruning, mulching, snow removal, and event setup. Must have a High School Diploma and a valid driver’s license.

The role requires strong teamwork, communication, and safety awareness to work with a diverse academic community. Workdays are Monday through Friday with a 7:00–3:30 schedule; pay is $17.75 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Valid Driver's License; pass university driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds, roads, walkways, and signage.
• Mow, trim, edge turf areas with riding and push mowers, weed whip, and edger.
• Perform chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Mulch, weed, aerate, trim, and edge beds and paths.
• Prune trees and shrubs; propagation and transplantation.
• Prepare planting beds and plant bulbs, flowers, trees, and shrubs; apply mulch.
• Install hardscape and landscape furniture; rake leaves.
• Perform snow and ice removal and apply salt/ice-melt agents.
• Haul snow, spoils, dirt, sand, gravel; remove trash daily and as needed.
• Move furniture for events and university surplus; set up and tear down for events.

Skills

Independent worker

Team player

Detail-oriented

Following instructions

Creativity under obstacles

Communication skills

Diversity awareness

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power tools

Lawn equipment operation

Job description

Position Description:

The position will perform maintenance duties, with responsibility for the appearance and general care of all aspects of the University grounds, including, but not limited to, parking lots, roads, walkways, exterior signage, snow removal, salt spreading, plantings, mowing, and trash pick-up.

Major Responsibilities:

• Maintain campus grounds, roads, parking lots, walkways, signage, plantings, stormwater drainage, manhole pumping, etc.
• Mow, trim, and edge turf areas using a riding mower, push mower, weed whip, and edger.
• Perform chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Mulch, weed, aerate, trim, and edge around beds, pathways, and walls.
• Prune trees and shrubs; propagation, transplanting, removal of trees and shrubs, weeding, etc.
• Prepare planting beds with hand and power tools; plant bulbs, flowers, ground covers, trees, and shrubs; apply mulch.
• Install hardscape and landscape furniture.
• Rake and remove leaves.
• Perform snow and ice removal with hand tools and power equipment, and apply road salt and ice-melting agents to sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots.
• Hauling (snow, spoils, dirt, sand, gravel, etc.).
• Remove trash daily, weekly, and as needed.
• Ensure grounds are clean and free of trash and debris.
• Complete work orders and communicate the status when resolved or an update is appropriate.
• Perform regular and preventative maintenance, making repairs to lawn equipment and tools.
• Perform furniture moves as per work orders.
• Move furniture and various items to the University surplus.
• Complete the set-up and tear-down for campus events.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of computers for tasks including reading email, logging hours, and entering work order information. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work independently, but also an excellent collaborator and team player.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to creatively overcome obstacles.
• Skilled in working with a diverse academic community, and have the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge and ability to operate various types of equipment, including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, zero-turn mowers, bobcats, backhoes, forklifts, etc.
• Ability and safety knowledge to operate work trucks, grounds tractors, weed eaters, push mowers, and other equipment used to maintain grounds.
• High School Diploma.
• Experience with landscape and/or grounds work is desirable.
• Valid Driver's License; Pass all University driving requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work with prolonged standing, bending, lifting, pushing or pulling, and working in cramped areas
• Average physical strength for lifting and or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work from a ladder and work with arms and hands overhead
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders

Hours:

• Monday-Friday from 7:00-3:30. Hours and days may vary depending on weather conditions, event requirements, and department needs.

Pay Rate:

• $17.75 / hour

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.