Groundskeeper - Facilities Planning and Management

University of Wisconsin Stout•Whitewater, WI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Facilities Planning and Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Groundskeeper. This position performs year-round landscaping and groundskeeping activities to maintain and improve University grounds. Employees in this class also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to carry out maintenance tasks. This position will be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. Position is listed as a level 2 for risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Buildings & Grounds Manager and the Grounds Lead.

Requirements

H.S. Diploma
Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment
Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle.
Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for long periods, stooping, kneeling and walking significant distances.
Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30’ etc.
Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students.
Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.
Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed.
Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment
Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills

Nice To Haves

Prior experience preforming landscaping and grounds maintenance in a professional setting.
Prior experience performing snow removal using trucks, loaders, tractors or specialized equipment in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities: Mow, trim, rake, edge, aerate and water turfgrass. Restore bare areas in turfgrass by seeding or sodding as appropriate. Pick up and dispose of litter, leaves branches and other miscellaneous outdoor debris. Cultivate, edge, plant, weed, mulch and water gardens and landscape beds as directed. Assist in the propagation and care of annual and perennial plants grown in a greenhouse environment. Plant and prune trees and shrubs and mulch as directed. Safely use and operate chainsaws and woodchippers to dispose of tree waste as required. Treat lawns, gardens and flower beds with fertilizer, plant protectants and pest control products as directed. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks. Inspect, clean and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.
Perform Winter snow and ice control activities: Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season, and return to active state the following spring. Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, roads and parking lots. Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs and sidewalks. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.
Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned: Police campus grounds for litter and trash. Install and repair signs, posts, fences bike racks and other campus amenities. Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment. Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events. Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various University fleet vehicles. Other duties as assigned.
Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs
Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding