Groundskeeper IV bei Rice University

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper IV position is responsible for maintaining the outdoor grounds, gardens, and landscaping at Wiess President’s House, a large residential property of Rice University. This role includes a variety of tasks related to landscaping, horticulture, and general property upkeep to ensure that the estate’s outdoor areas remain aesthetically pleasing, safe, and well-maintained. Reports to the Manager of Wiess President’s House.

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at the Wiess President's House. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.” 

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

This is a benefits-eligible position with a hiring range of $20 to $22.69 per hour; higher rate dependent on experience and qualifications. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• 4 years of related experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or horticulture

Skills:

• Knowledge of plant care, landscaping techniques, and horticultural best practices
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aesthetics and safety
• Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Knowledge of proper equipment use and maintenance

Preferences

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Prior pest control experience
• Irrigation Association certificate
• Logical and technical reasoning skills
• Proficient math skills
• Knowledge of pest control chemicals
• Ability to work both independently and/or as part of a team

Essential Functions

• Plans and executes landscaping designs to enhance the beauty and functionality of the Wiess President’s House. This includes planting, pruning, mulching, weed control, fertilization, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants
• Lawn care, including mowing, edging, and irrigation system management
• Removes debris from general areas, walkways and paths; operates and provides first-line maintenance on various heavy equipment and vehicles; provides equipment operations instruction
• Ensures that outdoor areas are safe for residents and visitors and reports any safety hazards or security concerns to the House Manager
• Ensures that the property’s outdoor areas are safe for residents and visitors
• Maintain records of plantings, maintenance schedules, and expenditures related to groundskeeping activities.
• Coordinate with other estate staff, such as the House Manager, Housekeeper, and Maintenance personnel, to ensure smooth property operations
• Implements grounds projects in support of campus facilities
• Collaborates with supervisor to coordinate assignments and work schedules, observe and respond to areas of risk; may execute, respond to, interpret, and fulfill work orders; may communicate with customers, including senior-level administrators
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Implements an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the control of insects and other pests, plant diseases, and weed control according to university and department guidelines
• Performs general grounds and heavy equipment maintenance activities within established guidelines in support of campus grounds operations
• Minor décor installation for special occasions or holidays, as requested
• Minor set-up and preparation for events hosted at the Wiess President’s House
• Seasonal tasks such as leaf and snow removal
• Identifies and addresses pest infestations in the gardens and on the property and implements environmentally friendly pest control methods
• Assists in moving and storage of furniture and equipment

Work Conditions

• Work Environment: Primarily an outdoor work environment that includes exposure to temperature and weather extremes (heat, cold, rain, etc.). 
• Work Hazards: Exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, pollen, noise, and hazardous chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. Some work may occur at heightened elevations on ladders and scaffolding. Work with heavy equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, hedge trimmers, etc. 
• Work Schedule: May be required to work overtime 3-4 times each year. This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. 

The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated, and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Physical Demands - MEDIUM–Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Requires walking or standing up to 8 hours per day and multi-limb coordination to operate heavy equipment and drive a vehicle. Other physical requirements of the job include the ability to bend/crouch/or kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.