Grounds Worker

Ferris State University • Big Rapids, MI

22h • $18 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Worker 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 a continuing, full-time, 12-month staff position covered by AFSCME Local 1609. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; the role may also require availability for other shifts, weekends, evenings, overtime, and emergency calls. If required by job duties, the employee must meet University requirements for the issuance and use of University keys.

The work includes maintaining lawns, plantings, flower and shrub beds, removing snow and ice, maintaining irrigation systems, applying certain general-use pesticides, safely operating vehicles and grounds equipment, and supporting campus safety and environmental standards. The Grounds Worker also helps maintain sports fields, hardscape, sidewalks, roads, parking areas, storm drains, and equipment, and may train students and employees in job duties.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, one year of full-time-equivalent landscape maintenance experience in a residential or commercial setting, and a valid driver’s license. The employee must communicate effectively, work independently and harmoniously with others, operate and maintain grounds equipment safely, follow instructions and safety procedures, and work in variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather. A demonstrated ability to work successfully with people from diverse backgrounds is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• One year of full-time-equivalent landscape maintenance experience in a residential and/or commercial setting.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain University and grounds maintenance industry standards for workmanship, quality, and quantity.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operating manuals.
• Ability to perform the essential and marginal duties of the position.
• Ability to understand and exercise good judgment in following procedures established through safety training and the Physical Plant Safety Manual.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and independently, including in variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life-experience backgrounds.
• Ability to meet University driving authorization requirements, including authorization for a driving record check.
• Availability for other shifts, weekends, evenings, overtime, and emergency calls when required.
• Ability to fulfill University requirements concerning the issuance and use of University keys if required by job duties.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus lawns, plant life, flower and shrub beds through activities such as planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, and sweeping.
• Remove snow and ice from campus roads, parking lots, walks, steps, and ramps using mechanical and powered equipment.
• Repair and maintain irrigation systems.
• Apply general-use, ready-to-use pesticides and related products that do not require licensing.
• Safely operate a University or personal vehicle while performing job responsibilities and meet University driving authorization requirements, including authorization for a driving record check.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information in accordance with University policies and applicable state or federal laws.
• 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.
• Assist with landscape fencing repairs and installation of hardscape features such as retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, and benches.
• Assist with installation and maintenance of concrete flatwork and storm drain systems.
• Maintain sports turf and playing surfaces, including field layout and paint striping.
• Perform minor grounds equipment repairs and maintenance, including blade replacement, sharpening, and greasing; request necessary service or repairs when needed.
• Assist with installing, repairing, and maintaining sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, and bollards.
• Assist with surveying site elevations and distances for landscape and grounds maintenance work.
• Maintain the safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories, and maintain safety, health, and quality standards.
• Report to the immediate supervisor, train students and employees in characteristic duties, and assist other grounds employees as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health care and vacation; see the AFSCME Benefits information for a list of benefits offered with this position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED