Groundskeeper

Universities of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Facilities, Planning and Management department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is seeking a Groundskeeper. This role is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic and safety of campus grounds, including lawns, plant beds, natural areas, and hardscapes. The Groundskeeper will also be responsible for snow and ice removal to ensure clear and safe pathways. The department is committed to promoting respect and civility, and its mission is to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment that supports the university's academic and strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver License and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business.
• Experience with landscape maintenance.
• Experience with snow removal.
• Available to work overtime (including nights, weekends, or holidays) in response to weather conditions or special events.

Nice To Haves

• HS Diploma (or equivalent)
• Horticulture degree/Technical training or equivalent work experience
• Snow plowing experience in a professional setting
• Experience working with heavy equipment in landscaping
• Experience working with heavy equipment for snow removal

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, plant beds, natural areas, and hardscapes.
• Inspect campus grounds to ensure conditions are safe and meet institutional standards.
• Continually clean and clear sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of snow and ice at any time.
• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage.
• Monitor trees and shrubs for evidence of disease and apply treatments as needed.
• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Oversee and guide work of student employees.
• Complete accurate document assigned work tasks into various software programs daily.
• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Mow lawns and string trim around buildings, poles, fences and other obstacles.
• Plant, water, fertilize and monitor flowers in pots and beds.
• Operate commercial mowers, tractors, skid loaders and other power equipment.
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice.
• Operate trucks, tractors, skid loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice.
• Hand shovel, scrape and apply snow-melting chemicals to ADA ramps, stairs and curb-cuts to keep free of snow and ice.
• Monitor and empty as needed all outdoor garbage and recycling bins to reduce debris and litter.
• Inspect areas and pick up trash, branches, leaves and other debris.
• Inspect and clear drains to reduce aerial flood risks and potential building floods.
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Restore bare lawn areas by seeding or sodding, as appropriate.
• Plant new bushes, trees and perennials as needed to replace dead or damaged plants.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans
• Extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays.

What This Job Offers

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