Part Time Groundskeeper

Calvin University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Calvin University is seeking a part-time, non-exempt Groundskeeper to maintain the campus grounds, turf, athletic fields, irrigation systems, and equipment. The role includes supporting seasonal needs such as snow removal and guiding student grounds assistants.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, 3–5 years in groundskeeping, and a Michigan driver’s license; a pesticide applicator license is preferred or obtainable after hire. Collaboration with Facilities is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; a 1-year college/technical certificate preferred.
• 3–5 years of groundskeeping experience with turf, irrigation, and maintenance.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license; pesticide applicator license preferred or to be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Turf management across campus, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, mowing.
• Athletic field maintenance including mowing, aeration, and weed control.
• Landscape and tree care: planting, mulching, pruning.
• Equipment maintenance and safe operation of groundskeeping machinery.
• Snow and ice management and seasonal readiness.
• Supervise student grounds assistants and coordinate tasks.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

3-5 years groundskeeping experience

Ability to interpret blueprints/diagr​

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certificate from a college or technical school

Michigan Driver’s License

Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Job Title: Groundskeeper

Department: Facilities

Reports To: Director of Grounds

Job Status: Part time, non-exempt

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the campus grounds to ensure a healthy, attractive, and safe environment. This includes care and upkeep of turf, athletic fields, irrigation systems, and groundskeeping equipment. The Groundskeeper will also support seasonal needs, such as snow removal, and provide direction to student grounds assistants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Turf Management: Irrigate, fertilize, apply weed control, and mow campus-wide turf to ensure healthy growth and aesthetic appeal.
• Athletic Field Maintenance: Mow, fertilize, aerate, and weed athletic fields to maintain safe, attractive conditions for sports activities.
• Landscape and Tree Care: Perform general landscaping duties, including tree care, planting, mulching, and pruning, to enhance campus grounds.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, service, and repair groundskeeping machinery and equipment to ensure safety and functionality.
• Snow and Ice Management: Provide timely snow removal and ice management to maintain safe campus pathways during winter months.
• Student Supervision: Co-supervise student grounds assistants, providing direction to ensure tasks are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED required; a one-year certificate from a college or technical school is preferred. 3-5 years of experience in groundskeeping, with expertise in turf management and irrigation systems. Familiarity with specialized practices and procedures in grounds and equipment maintenance.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Communication Skills

Professional communication skills, including greeting callers and visitors, providing information, and handling inquiries about campus grounds. Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, and schematics, with occasional proofreading tasks.

Decision-Making and Complexity

Able to follow established procedures, and exercise independent judgment in organizing work and setting priorities to achieve desired results.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

This position involves physical demands and exposure to various outdoor conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Regular walking, standing, lifting, and carrying objects (up to 50 lbs). Use of groundskeeping equipment, with exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, and potentially hazardous chemicals. Operation of heavy equipment and vehicles as required.

Working Relationships

This role involves collaboration with peers and interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Regular communication with campus community members and routine problem-solving are key aspects of the role.

Other Requirements

• Availability to respond to emergencies as needed.
• Strong independent judgment and time management skills.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• 1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• 2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a top-ranked, liberal arts institution that equips its more than 3,600 students from 48 U.S. states, 55 countries, and five Canadian provinces to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Calvin offers 100+ majors and programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate-level offerings. Calvin students engage in intensive internships, community-based service learning, and significant research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty. The university’s 400-acre campus is in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Discover more atwww.calvin.edu.