Grounds Worker at The College of New Jersey

Close Date: September 16, 2025
NJ CSC Job Title & Code: 42744 Grounds Worker 
Job Category: IFPTE full-time, 40Hour Workweek, Non-Exempt
Class Code: 09
Internal Salary Range: $37,334.25 - $53,572.65
External Salary Range: $37,334.25 - $42,205.77 (Steps 1-4) 

The internal salary range is used for applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying classified status for promotional calculations who meet the requirements below. The external salary range is used for candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements below. 

About TCNJ:

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges “most likely to pay off financially,” and U.S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.

Position Overview:

The Department of Facilities & Administrative Services is a large operational service organization that provides a broad array of services to the campus community through the following offices: Access Control Services, Automotive Services, Building Services, Energy & Central Utilities, Facilities Operations, Grounds & Landscape Maintenance Services, Mailing & Receiving Services, Occupational Safety and Environmental Services and Risk Management Services.

Main Responsibilities:

Under direction of the Head Grounds Worker, the Grounds Worker conducts the duties and responsibilities of varied maintenance tasks of grounds.

• Performs duties and responsibilities involved in the work of the maintenance of institutional grounds, including but not limited to the preparation of soil, seeds, weeds, waters, cuts and trims lawns; Sprays, prunes, and trims shrubs;

• Plants, transplants, and thins shrubs;  

• Removes dirt, rubbish, snow, leaves and other refuse and helps in the maintenance of roads, lawns, shed, benches, and parking areas;  

• Make sure equipment, materials, and supplies including tractors, grass cutters, scythes, hoes, rakes, sprinklers, sheers, spraying devices, seeders, and other garden and grounds keeping equipment and tools are used properly.  

• Reports unfamiliar incidences and happenings or conditions on the grounds, and takes those steps required to ensure safe, orderly conditions.  

• Conducts snow removal, ice control, and/or is available for other emergency situations, day or night, as required.

Work Environment:

•   Employee work closely with Supervisor to ensure the completion of duties and responsibilities on a daily basis.

• The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud. This position is performed in outside weather conditions.   

•  Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Required Qualifications:  

• Knowledge of methods used to plan, lay out and perform lawn and grounds maintenance work. 

• Ability to properly use equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, and to train patients and inmates in their proper handling and maintenance. 

•  Ability to perform the tasks necessary for the propagation of trees, shrubbery, and perennial plants, and to direct the pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, mowing of lawns, and trimming of hedges.    

•  Employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and move up to 60 pounds.

   

 Education and/or Experience:    
 

• One year of experience in the performance of semiskilled grounds keeping duties and responsibilities.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications:

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed. 

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact [email protected].

Employee Benefits:

As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public university career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program 
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities 

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the New Jersey "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references by the closing date listed above to: [email protected].  For more information on the SAME program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: [email protected], or call CSC at: 833-691-0404.

How to apply:

Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable candidate is selected.  

 The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.