Groundskeeper (West Lafayette, IN, US) at Purdue University

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Grounds Maintenance worker with the Grounds Department, you will:

• Perform grounds maintenance duties including grounds cleanliness, shrub pruning, turf fertilization and mowing, landscape equipment operation, pesticide application and landscape renovation around several campus buildings 
• Maintain campus lawns by irrigating, mowing, edging, hand trimming, fertilizing, using weed control methods, and performing other grounds duties as assigned 
• Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod and sow seed
• Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed.  Additionally, maintain campus trees and shrubs by planting, pruning, watering, spraying, weeding and cleaning shrub plantings
• Plant, maintain, trim, and prune hedges
• Prepare flowerbeds for growing annuals and bulbs
• Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and minor equipment operation/maintenance
• Required to work overtime for special events and campus snow removal
• Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies

This position represents a dual-level posting and will be filled as an Associate Grounds Maintenance worker (S1) or a Grounds Maintenance worker (S2). The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate.

What We're Looking For:

Skills Needed:

• Demonstrated basic to intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
• Ability to read pesticide label and mixing per label
• Ability to keep records
• Ability to read, write and speak English required
• Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers  
• Ability to perform basic mathematics needed
• Good work organization and problem-solving ability required
• Landscape equipment operation and maintenance i.e. truck, utility cart, etc. necessary
• Personal protective equipment will be required during specific work duties as determined by the department
• Valid driver’s license required

Associate Grounds Maintenance (S1):

Required:

• High school diploma/GED required
• Basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness helpful

Preferred:

• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License

Grounds Maintenance (S2):

Required:

• High school diploma/GED
• Three years in basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness

Preferred:

• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EO/EA University
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
• Purdue University is an EO/EA employer

Career Stream

• Administrative and Operational Support 1 (S1)
• Pay Band S030
• Job Code# 20003357
• Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

OR

• Administrative and Operational Support 2 (S2)
• Pay Band S035
• Job Code# 20003659
• Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php