Grounds Worker Applicator

Ferris State University•Big Rapids, MI

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Worker Applicator performs independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems, and grounds equipment using approved environmental and ecological practices. The position is based at Ferris State University's Big Rapids main campus and is continuing, full-time, and covered by the AFSCME Local 1609 union agreement. The term is 12 months. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; the role may also require other shifts, weekends, evenings, overtime, and emergency call-outs. The position is non-exempt and just-cause governed. The role maintains campus lawns and plantings, performs landscape construction and irrigation work, removes snow and ice, and applies or mixes pesticides in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations. It also operates and maintains grounds equipment and vehicles, supports university enrollment and retention initiatives, follows university policies and laws, and helps create an environment of belonging. Employees may be required to meet university requirements related to issuing and using university keys. The advertised wage is $22.38 per hour pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health care and vacation; further details are available through the university's AFSCME benefits information. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and certification/license. The initial application review date is November 9, 2026, and the posting remains open until the position is filled.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Three years of full-time-equivalent landscape maintenance and landscape construction experience in a residential and/or commercial setting.
Commercial pesticide spray experience.
Valid driver's license.
Must obtain a current State of Michigan Pesticide Application License in Category Core, 3A, or 3B within six months of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors; work harmoniously with others; and work independently.
Ability to work in variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather.
Ability to maintain university and grounds-maintenance industry workmanship standards in quality and quantity.
Ability to read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operation manuals.
Familiarity with and proficiency in safe, efficient operation and maintenance of grounds equipment, including light-duty trucks, small engines, lawn mowers, light-duty tractors, skid steers, snow-removal machines, and air compressors.
Familiarity with identifying trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
Knowledge of accepted American Association of Nurseryman methods of pruning trees and shrubs.
Ability to use good judgment and follow procedures established through safety training and the Facilities Management Safety Manual.
Successful experience working directly with people from diverse cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life-experience backgrounds.
Ability to fulfill university requirements concerning the issuance and use of university keys if required by job duties.

Responsibilities

Maintain campus lawns, plant life, flower and shrub beds through planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, sweeping, and related work.
Repair and maintain irrigation systems.
Remove snow and ice from campus roads, parking lots, walks, steps, ramps, and similar areas using mechanical and powered equipment.
Apply general-use, ready-to-use pesticide and related products that do not require licensing.
Construct or install landscape features such as modular or retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, and benches.
Calculate pesticide application methods and calibrations; mix and apply pesticides, adjuvants, and related products in accordance with safety guidelines and applicable regulations.
Prune trees, shrubs, and other plant life.
Operate a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities and meet university driving authorization requirements, including authorization of a driving-record check.
Carry out duties in accordance with university policies and applicable laws, and maintain confidentiality of information as required.
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Perform other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Maintain sports turf and playing surfaces, including field layout and paint striping.
Assist with landscape fencing repairs, concrete flatwork, storm drain systems, sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, and bollards.
Assist with site surveys of elevations and distances for landscape and grounds work.
Maintain grounds equipment and perform minor repairs such as blade replacement, sharpening, and greasing; request necessary service or repairs when needed.
Maintain safety, health, quality, and security standards for equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.
Report to the immediate supervisor and assist other grounds employees as needed.
Train students and employees in the performance of characteristic duties.