Landscaper I - III

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking a Landscaper to support Campus Grounds Operations by maintaining, preserving, and improving university grounds. The role follows safety rules, with a 6:00 am–2:30 pm schedule; other hours may be required.

The posted pay range is $22.59 to $25.55 per hour, commensurate with experience. Responsibilities include mowing, pruning, planting, pesticide applications (if licensed), soil preparation, and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have physical dexterity and stamina for grounds maintenance duties.
• Must communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Must be available for overtime, including early/late hours and weekends; respond to emergency call-ins.
• Position involves operation of a commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs GVWR and requires DOT requirements.

Responsibilities

• Mow and edge lawns and trim grounds.
• Apply pesticides if licensed and assist with irrigation tasks.
• Perform routine safety checks on equipment and operate small power tools.
• Prune, plant, mulch and maintain landscape features; assist with campus cleanup.
• Support snow removal and event setup as needed.

Skills

Physical stamina

Communication skills

Overtime availability

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma

Tools

DOT Medical Certification

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Overview

The Landscaper position provides assistance in support of the Campus Grounds Operations by maintaining, preserving and improving the university grounds. Always follows all University safety rules and regulations and is proficient in basic grounds maintenance, horticultural practices and landscaping operations. This position’s normal workweek is Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm. Based on business needs, other work schedules may be assigned or required.

Level of position and pay (minimum of $22.59 to a minimum of $25.55) will be commensurate with experience, knowledge, and needs of the department.

Updated 7/29/26

Responsibilities

Depending on the landscaper level, the Landscaper position provides support for the ground’s maintenance, gardening, and sweeping, grounds clean up, irrigation, pesticide applications and related work as required. The Landscaper position accomplishes these duties through the maintenance of lawns, tree and shrub trimming, fertilizing, soil preparation and treatment, planting and pruning, administering pesticides, and maintaining the tools and equipment necessary to do the work safely. Adhering to and mindful of the Sustainability Action Plan when conducting duties if applicable. The Landscaper performs the role under direct supervision of the Crew Leader, or the Grounds Supervisor/Sr. Horticulturist. Below are duties performed in part or in combination: (Other duties may be assigned, as needed.)

Pruning, Trimming & Planting

• Assist with the maintenance, preservation, and improvement of university grounds to include installing and maintaining basic grounds landscape plantings, pruning, mulching, and weeding.

Lawn & Plant Care

• Mows and edges lawns.
• Controls weeds using appropriate pesticides, if licensed.

Campus Cleanup

• Gathers and removes litter, leaves and other debris around the campus facilities and grounds.
• Cleans and checks storm drains and window wells, seasonally.

Maintenance & Operation of Machinery

• Conducts routine safety inspections of machinery and equipment, and ensures equipment works properly and safely.
• Operate small power equipment and attachments such as string trimmers, hedge shears, leaf blowers, etc.
• Operate equipment under 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for hauling soil, leaves, plants, wood and other items.

Risk Management & Stewardship of Princeton University and Surround Property

• Proactively identify, report, or resolve safety issues as quickly as possible.
• Proactively identify issues related to sustainability action plan and report them to the appropriate supervisor or Manager.
• Ensure the campus is clean and orderly; return furnishings and other equipment to their places when moved by members of the community or after scheduled events.

Snow Removal Other General Duties

• Mandatory availability for Snow Removal as this is an essential position when needed.
• Occasionally assists in other types of event set-ups and breakdowns.
• Depending on the Landscaper Level, may be asked to coordinate assigned work of other casuals, shop helpers and workers during snow removal, at the direction of the supervisor.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Possess a high school diploma or an equivalent.
• Must possess the physical dexterity and stamina required for grounds and landscape maintenance duties.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends. Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions.

• This position involves operation of a commercial motor vehicle over 10,000lbs. GVWR and is subject to U.S. DOT/FMCSA regulations. Candidate must meet all applicable non-CDL DOT requirements:

  • Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certification ( Medical Card), or the ability to obtain one prior to start date - FMCS - Medical Examiner's Certificate which will need to re-certified based on the regulations
  • Valid permanent driver’s license (non-provisional, non-probationary, non-interim) issued by US State ( International Driver’s License are not acceptable) as outlined in the Fleet Safety Policy

Preferred Qualifications: Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive grounds maintenance background, horticultural experience, heavy equipment operation, and pesticide knowledge.

physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day, except while operating mowers or trimming operations, or during snow removal operations.
• During grass mowing or trimming operation or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day.
• During grass mowing and trimming operations or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) and/or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) constantly (over 67% of the workday);
• Lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• Lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• Occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, dig or pick, use jack hammer or air spade, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the workday);
• Frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the workday);
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Possess the ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime Yes

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period Per union contract

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required Yes

Valid Driver's License Required Yes - Car

Union Code SEU-Service Employees Inter Union#LI-NC1

Salary Range $25.55 Minimum Hourly Rate