Groundskeeper (Grounds Maintenance Worker 2)

State of Oregon

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Groundskeeper (Grounds Maintenance Worker 2) Oregon Department of Administrative Services Salem, Oregon Monthly Salary: $3,705-$5,066 (Note - Effective February 1, 2026, salary rates increase by 2.5% due to COLA.) Schedule (subject to change): Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Join the Oregon Department of Administrative Services as a Groundskeeper and put your hands-on skills to work maintaining Oregon’s state buildings in the Salem area. This is physical, outdoor work for someone who takes pride in a job done right and enjoys working with equipment and tools. You’ll help keep state facilities safe, clean, and looking their best—mowing, maintaining grounds, and handling routine equipment upkeep—while working a steady schedule. This role is great for someone who values teamwork, safety, and craftsmanship, and is looking for job stability, strong benefits, and a career in public service. Some of what you'll do: Provide lead role in performing routine service and minor repairs (to include engine tune-ups, part replacement, lubrication, inspect for safety precautions, and preventative maintenance) on maintenance equipment. Mow and define lawn edges. Eradication of weeds, both mechanically and manually. Inspect grounds to determine landscaping needs and evaluate quality of work being done for recommendation of landscape strategy and job priority. Daily safety and litter inspections of ground, including removal of all trash from grounds and containers. View the entire job description here.

Requirements

• An associated degree in landscape technology, horticulture, turf management or closely related field AND eighteen (18) months of landscape experience AND the ability to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator license within six (6) months of hire. The required certification(s) will be outlined in the recruitment OR Three (3) years of landscape experience AND the ability to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator license within six (6) months of hire. Your Public Pesticide Applicator license will need to include Herbicide & Insecticide/Fungicide. Terms will be discussed prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

• Small engine mechanics and repair
• Certified Arborist
• Welding/fabrication
• Knowledge of hydraulics, electrical systems and operation of diagnostic tools
• The ability and/or knowledge to safely operate and maintain all types of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e., riding lawnmowers, tractors, 1-ton dump truck, weed eaters, blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, etc.).
• The ability to do preventative maintenance such as oil changes, filters, belt adjustments, blade sharpening, lubrication schedules, etc.
• Reading schematics and manuals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural and grounds keeping practices and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead role in performing routine service and minor repairs (to include engine tune-ups, part replacement, lubrication, inspect for safety precautions, and preventative maintenance) on maintenance equipment.
• Mow and define lawn edges.
• Eradication of weeds, both mechanically and manually.
• Inspect grounds to determine landscaping needs and evaluate quality of work being done for recommendation of landscape strategy and job priority.
• Daily safety and litter inspections of ground, including removal of all trash from grounds and containers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees