Temporary Grounds/Maintenance Worker

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s facilities team is seeking a Temporary Grounds/Maintenance Worker to perform landscape maintenance and construction tasks, operate light equipment, and help uphold campus standards. The role requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a valid US driver’s license, with flexibility for nights, weekends, and weather-related shifts.

You will work as part of a team, report unsafe conditions, and support inclusive values while completing seasonal duties such as turf and plant

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have and maintain a valid US driver's license.
• Experience with landscaping methods, materials, tools.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work odd hours including nights and weekends.
• Ability to handle weather extremes.

Responsibilities

• Perform general landscape maintenance and construction tasks.
• Operate light equipment safely and independently.
• Report unsafe conditions or damages to campus landscape, equipment, or facilities.
• Support campus community by upholding values and collaborating with others.
• Assist with seasonal duties and respond to emergencies as needed.

Skills

Valid US driver's license

Landscaping knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Customer service orientation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

String trimmers

Walk-behind mowers

Blowers

Snow blowers

Rakes & shovels

Job description

Performs manual labor and independently operates light equipment for general landscape maintenance and /or landscape construction tasks, including turf maintenance, plant maintenance, litter control, snow removal, and other duties. Promptly reports unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment, or facilities. Safely operates hand and self-propelled equipment and tools including string trimmers, walk behind mowers, blowers, snow blowers, rakes, and shovels to achieve required landscape standards.

Subject to call-in twenty‑four hours a day, seven days a week to handle emergencies, especially snow emergencies. Subject to shift changes and extended working hours (including nights, early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays) to meet seasonal work demand. Subject to working in weather related extremes of high and low temperatures, snow and rain for extended periods. May come into contact with sewage and dead animals. May be exposed to bees/stings and other environmental allergens.

All employees are accountable for supporting the FCS values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This position is a temporary, non‑benefits eligible Endowed position expected to last 5.5 months.

The starting pay rate is $24/hour.

We are a value‑based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

We Require These Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have and maintain a valid US driver’s license.
• Some working knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the landscaping or labor trade.
• Excellent interpersonal (oral and written) skills in order to interact with a wide range of people.
• Self -motivated with ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A strong customer service orientation while providing a helpful and friendly approach to serving the campus community.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications

• Two seasons of demonstrated work experience with landscape maintenance, landscape construction, or related field.
• Formal training in ornamental horticulture, agronomy, arboriculture, phytopathology, ornamental plant pests, and/or equipment operation helpful.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

University Job Title

Temporary Grounds/Maintenance Worker

Job Family

Temporary Facilities & Safety Services

Level

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Job Titles And Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

Noted Pay Ranges Reflect The Potential Pay Opportunity For Each Job Profile. The Hiring Rate Of Pay For The Successful Candidate Will Be Determined Considering The Following Criteria

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-11-10