Groundskeeper 2 (Newark)

The Ohio State University • Newark, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper 2 performs a wide range of landscape and grounds maintenance duties to maintain safe, attractive, and functional campus grounds. This position supports year-round operations, including seasonal clean-up, snow and ice removal, equipment maintenance, and event setup. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve emergency response as operational needs require.

Work Schedule and Conditions
Standard work hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Schedule is subject to change in hours, shift, days, or location based on operational needs
Subject to 24-hour emergency call
May be exposed to unpleasant odors and outdoor environmental conditions
Successful completion of a criminal background check is required

Requirements

• Education and experience as required per Classified Civil Service Specifications or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Must obtain and maintain an Ohio Pesticide Operator’s License (Category 6a) within 180 days of employment

Nice To Haves

• Experience and/or training in grounds maintenance and landscaping
• Ohio Pesticide Operator Licenses: Aquatic Industrial Vegetation Ornamental Weed Control Turf Control
• Forklift certification
• Man lift and aerial lift operation certification
• Welding coursework completed at C-TEC
• Attendance at ODOT plowing conference

Responsibilities

• Grounds and Landscape Maintenance Perform routine landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, sodding, fertilizing, planting, and weed control
• Maintain flower beds by removing weeds, dead plants, and shrubs; plant new flowers, shrubs, and trees as needed
• Complete seasonal tasks such as fall clean-up of landscaped areas
• Conduct daily trash pickup and inspect campus trash receptacles
• Equipment and Vehicle Operation Operate motor vehicles, tractors, mowers, edgers, weed trimmers, snow removal equipment, and other powered and hand tools
• Operate specialized equipment including chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, hedge trimmers, pesticide and herbicide application equipment, forklifts, man lifts, and other lifts
• Safely operate John Deere 5400 tractor with 17-foot batwing mower and Gosen leaf vacuum
• Drive pickups, dump trucks, utility vehicles (gators), golf carts, and other campus vehicles
• Snow and Ice Removal Assist with snow and ice removal operations during winter conditions
• Participate in plowing and snow response activities as needed
• Equipment Maintenance and Inventory Perform weekly equipment inspections and safety checks
• Clean, maintain, and complete minor repairs on landscape and grounds equipment
• Maintain inventory of equipment parts and supplies and order parts as needed
• Complete assigned work orders accurately and timely
• Event and Facilities Support Set up and tear down equipment and furniture for campus events, including commencements and seasonal events
• Assist with large-scale events such as the July 3rd concert, including setup and post-event cleanup
• Remove and relocate furniture and equipment from offices and other campus areas
• Install and repair patio furniture
• Assemble fixtures and furnishings such as shelving units and carts
• Supervision and Team Support Assist with oversight and task coordination of student workers
• Support maintenance staff with additional duties as requested, including light construction, equipment installation, and facility modifications

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees