Lead Grounds Keeper

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Vacation time

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Augusta University is seeking a Grounds Supervisor to lead a crew responsible for maintaining and beautifying campus grounds on the Health Sciences Campus (Augusta) and Summerville Campus in Augusta, GA.

The role involves managing grounds crews, maintaining equipment, waste management, and coordinating with the Foreman to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with university policies. A valid driver’s license is required and a proactive, team-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED; five years grounds maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license to operate AU vehicles; must meet USG requirements.
• Forklift and JLG Man Lift certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Grounds Crews and assign tasks.
• Maintain grounds, shrubs, trees, and turf.
• Maintain grounds equipment; coordinate repairs with grounds mechanic.
• Operate vehicles and light construction equipment.
• Manage waste and organize grounds warehouse.
• Assist with campus event setups (e.g., orientation, events).
• Follow departmental policies and safety procedures.

Skills

Grounds maintenance experience

Leadership

Safety training

Vehicle operation

Computer skills

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

JLG Lift certification

Job description

Overview

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world‑class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other. https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php

Location

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

College/Department Information

Providing the highest level of quality service in a responsive and efficient manner to the entire university community while creating and caring for a physical environment in which those who seek knowledge, enlightenment and well‑being enjoy successful, productive, and fulfilled lives. Facilities Services Division provides quality customer service by maintaining a safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing environment in which students, faculty, and staff can function and accomplish their educational objectives and by supporting a patient care culture that continuously improves. Facilities Services' responsibilities include Interior and Exterior Facilities Support, Construction, Space Management, and Environmental Services.

Job Summary

This position leads and works with a crew maintaining and beautifying grounds, maintaining grounds equipment, setups, and performing waste management.

Responsibilities

• Leads Grounds Crews
  • Participates in and assigns tasks to Grounds keepers.
  • Reviews results continuously and confers with Grounds Foreman on daily activities.
  • Provides safety and technical training.
  • Ensures the use of appropriate personal protection equipment and power equipment safety devices.
  • Responsible for recording labor and material information into Maximo for the Groundskeepers.
  • Assists Groundskeepers with entering leave requests in OneUSG.
• Maintains Groundcovers, Shrubs, Trees, and Turfgrass
  • Prunes shrubs and trees; mows lawns with proper equipment; collects and removes lawn cuttings and debris.
  • Line trims around signs, trees, valve boxes and edges along walks, curbs, and beds.
  • Controls weeds manually and with the application of mulch and chemical herbicides to bed areas; applies fertilizer to shrubs and trees; hand waters new plants and trees.
  • Inspects lawns and shrub beds prior to mowing or pruning for obstacles such as debris, irrigation heads, rocks, limbs, valve boxes.
• Maintains Grounds Equipment
  • Ensures routine maintenance are performed (oil change, filter change, fasteners tightened, blades replacement, trimmers lubricated, etc.) and properly documented.
  • Ensures oil checks prior to starting engine.
  • Ensures daily cleaning of equipment after use.
  • Coordinates equipment maintenance and repair needs with grounds mechanic.
  • Notifies Grounds Foreman of safety and maintenance/repair concerns.
• Operates Vehicles and Light Construction Equipment
  • Safely operates vehicles, golf carts, mowers, street sweepers and small tractors.
  • Operates the backhoe (transporting mulch, debris, excavation assignments).
  • Checks fluid levels prior to starting.
  • Cleans vehicle and equipment (Interior and Exterior).
  • Requires training and certification in operation of the motorized personnel lift and forklift.
• Waste Management
  • Removes lawn cuttings, plant clippings, and tree limbs; places them in yard waste container.
  • Removes litter and chewing gum from campus grounds, parking lots, and streets.
  • Cleans and empties waste containers.
  • Assists with packing waste, yard debris and cardboard roll‑off containers by operating backhoe.
• Cleans and Organizes Grounds Warehouse
  • Sweeps floors and removes debris.
  • Keeps tools, equipment, and vehicles in good condition and stored properly.
  • Returns flammable product containers to fireproof storage cabinets at end of each day.
  • Ensures all fuel containers are properly labeled and safety compliant.
  • Safeguards and secures grounds equipment.
  • Monitors shop supplies and PPE and submits requests to Foreman.
• Perform Related Work As Required
  • Coordinates and assists crews with campus event setups (Pig Out, A Day, Orientation, etc.), such as pressure washing, weed and pest control.
  • Follows all departmental and University policies.
  • Treats students, coworkers, supervisors, faculty, and visitors with respect.
  • Wears uniform as outlined in policy and maintains good hygiene.
  • Performs any duties and assignments as instructed by supervisor.
• Assist Maintenance Worker As Required
  • Assists Maintenance Worker with RO work orders as needed.
  • Assists Maintenance Worker as needed with masonry, irrigation, and painting as deemed necessary by the Foreman.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent from a state or federal accredited organization and five years' experience in grounds maintenance.
• Current valid driver's license to operate AU golf carts and vehicles. Must meet USG requirements to operate AU vehicles.

Preferred Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent GED from a recognized state or federal accredited organization.
• One (1) year experience in landscaping/grounds.
• Valid driver's license.
• Obtain forklift and JLG Man Lift certification.
• Must possess good computer skills (familiar with spreadsheets and data entry).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use a variety of standard power and hand tools.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods often under adverse climatic conditions.
• Ability to operate and maintain grounds power equipment and tools.
• Ability to delegate assignments and review performance.
• Knowledgeable of occupational hazards and safety precautions for Landscape/Grounds tasks.
• Must be able to work independently and also as a team member.
• Must possess initiative and self‑motivational skills to complete assignments.

Shift / Salary / Benefits

• Shift: Monday – Friday.
• Pay Band: 5.
• Salary: $17.88 to $19.24 hourly, commensurate with qualifications.
• Recruitment Period: 7/15/26 – Until Filled.
• Benefits: health insurance; dental insurance; life insurance; Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan); earned vacation time; sick leave; and 13 paid holidays.
• Tuition Assistance Program available for full‑time employees after 6 months of employment.

Conditions of Employment

• All selected candidates must successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting.
• Applicable position credit check for positions of trust and/or approved departmental purchase card usage.
• Motor vehicle reports required for positions that require driving an AU vehicle.
• Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degree(s) and post‑secondary coursework; foreign‑trained candidates must provide educational/credential evaluation.
• All employees must ensure confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during employment and beyond.

Driver's License Statement

The Human Resources Division will request a driver's history report for the identified top candidate(s) for this position. This report will come from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Other Information

• Position is responsible for promoting a customer‑friendly environment and providing superior service to patients, students, faculty, and employees.
• Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment; the use of any tobacco products on campus is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today! Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. The application process can be accessed via https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/. Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university. Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee. For assistance, contact 706‑721‑9365.