Maintenance Worker I

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia (UGAMI) is seeking an entry-level Maintenance Worker I to support the Sapelo Island research facility. The role emphasizes general maintenance, grounds upkeep, and basic carpentry, plumbing, and construction tasks under supervision.

The position is full-time, requires a high school diploma, and involves field and on-site work with occasional evenings. Benefits eligible; salary around $19.00/hr, with regular schedules around M-F, 8:30–5:00, and occasional irregular hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with grounds keeping and small equipment preferred.
• Basic HVAC knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance tasks for facilities and infrastructure, including carpentry, plumbing, construction, and related duties as required.
• Maintains and upkeeps the UGAMI grounds; mows, trims, rakes, and cleans outdoor areas.
• Supports custodial work; cleans facilities, washes vehicles, and assists with site preparation for visitors and researchers.
• Performs related tasks to support UGAMI operations as needed.

Skills

Grounds keeping

HVAC basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grounds equipment (mowers, tractors, trimmers, chain saw)

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15880P

Working Title: Maintenance Worker I

Department: VPR-Marine Institute

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The UGA Marine Institute (UGAMI) is a world-renowned field destination that supports research and education in coastal ecosystems. The Marine Institute is located on Sapelo Island, GA, accessible only via ferry.

College/Unit/Department website: ugami.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Typical M-F 8:30-5:00pm with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. Irregular hours as needed.

Advertised Salary: $19.00/hr

Posting Date: 10/09/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Other South Georgia Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Maintenance Worker I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in skillsets described in position summary.

Position Summary

This is entry level manual work involving limited semi-skilled duties at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. The job involves the performance of work of a heavy nature and does not require a high degree of manipulative skill. It encompasses a high degree of diversity in support of a small maintenance staff that performs carpentry, plumbing, construction, landscaping, etc. at a self-contained research institute. With increasing experience, assignments to somewhat more difficult tasks of a limited semi-skilled nature may be added. Work is usually closely supervised with specific work instructions at the beginning of each new job. However, constant supervision is not necessary for routine and repetitive tasks which can be carried on without difficulty once they are learned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Operational knowledge of grounds keeping and small equipment (mowers, tractors, trimmers, chain saw, etc.) practices and use.
• Familiarity with basic construction practices and simple HVAC systems is preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

Work both outside and inside in uncomfortably hot, cold, and buggy conditions in all seasons. Stand and sit for long periods. Heavy lifting. Work on the water in small boats. Driving to perform work related duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance tasks for semi-skilled and skilled workers such as helping with repair of facilities and infrastructure, helping with painting/carpentry/plumbing/construction jobs as required, running errands and transporting supplies and personnel, and lifting and moving supplies and equipment. Performs related work as required in support of UGAMI operations.
• 50
• Performs upkeep of grounds; rakes and loads grass and brush; mows & cleans grounds and outlying property; light trimming of trees and shrubs; trash collection and disposal.
• 40
• General cleaning and support of custodial work; washing vehicles; pressure washing facilities; cleaning of UGAMI accommodations in preparation of arrival of visiting classes and researchers. Other duties as needed.
• 10