Groundskeeper

The Groundskeeper will perform specialized gardening tasks, landscape or maintain grounds of the University of Saint Joseph using hand or power tools or equipment. The Groundskeeper will work independently or as part of a team to maintain and improve appearance of the 100-acre campus grounds. This person will perform specialized landscaping, gardening, and tasks including maintaining athletic fields and snow removal.

• Mows lawns and trims grass around walks, flower beds, trees and walls.
• Prunes shrubs and trees, to shape and improve growth.
• Removes fallen or damaged leaves, branches, and twigs using mowers, tractors and other hand and power tools.
• Responsible for garden and flower bed maintenance, lays out and maintains flower beds, mulch beds, or other decorative vegetation.
• Maintains and sharpens tools and makes minor repairs on equipment, as needed.
• Plants, waters and uses products to maintain grass, flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Removes snow and ice from walks, roads and driveways, utilizing hand tools, machines or vehicles, on-call and during storms. Must be willing to run small equipment and/or shovel as required.
• Spreads salt, picks up litter, rakes, removes debris from hard surfaces.
• Cleans drainage ditches and culverts, including, but not limited to the filling of potholes and the sweeping of accumulated debris along curb lines.
• Maintains driveways and parking lots.
• Repairs fences, gates, walls.
• May perform marking and maintenance of sports fields.
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on gardening and grounds equipment.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance of all grounds equipment and fleet vehicles.
• May operate trucks and assorted power equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws.
• May participate in the setup and tear-down of event furniture, such as tables, chairs and tents.
• May participate in the movement of furniture, supplies and material.
• Complies with all safety and risk management policies and procedures.
• Participates in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in operation of equipment, including but not limited to plow trucks, skid steer, loader, backhoe, and lifts.
• Knowledge of lawn, garden and flower bed maintenance.
• Experience with snowplowing preferred. 
• Knowledge of other trades or advanced mechanical ability a plus. 
• Operating experience a plus, including but not limited to skid steer, backhoe, loader, and lift operation. 
• OSHA certification a plus.
• May be required to obtain or hold Pesticide licensure.

Other Qualifications

• Minimum one year of basic grounds keeping experience
• Ability to lift up to 100 lbs. on a regular basis
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Valid driver’s license 
• OSHA 10 or higher preferred but not required. Training will be provided
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, as noted below, with or without reasonable accommodation

The pay rate range for this position is between $20.00-22.00/hour. The University of Saint Joseph considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, relevant work experience, education, specialized skills, internal equity, and external market data when extending an offer. The final salary is determined by the Human Resources Office based on these factors. This range reflects base pay only and does not include benefits or other compensation.

Benefit eligible employees can participate in the University’s health and welfare benefits program, including medical/dental insurance, retirement plan (403b) matching, subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the plan. To learn more about employee benefits click here.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements and description of the work environment are representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Activity

Approximate Percentage of Time Spent in this Activity

(Minimal, Some, Substantial)

1. Bending

Substantial

1. Climbing (e.g. stairs)

Some

1. Keyboarding

Minimal

1. Kneeling

Substantial

1. Lifting (indicate maximum weight)

Substantial

1. Reaching

Some

1. Sitting

Some

1. Standing

Substantial

1. Using Telephone

Minimal

1. Walking

Substantial

1. Other (please explain):

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Work Environment (a brief description)

Work is performed in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to heat/cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Wears protective clothing and/or Personal Protective Equipment required by the work environment or governmental regulations.