Groundskeeper

University of Wisconsin Stout•La Crosse, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper maintains grounds and landscaping and supports the University’s overall groundskeeping operation. The role involves planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and bulbs; applying herbicides and pesticides; pruning trees and shrubs; and performing general grounds maintenance, including snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. The position’s normal schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Overtime is required for snow removal and special events, including events such as the WIAA State Track Meet. The position reports to the Grounds Services Manager and pays $18 per hour. The position requires legal authorization to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work-authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Be able to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
Have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape, within six months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
Be able to grasp, lift, and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Be physically able to work in varied positions, including with arms above the head and while bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, using scaffolding, ladders or stairs, and standing, sitting, or walking while performing job functions.
Be physically able to work in varied environments without adverse physical reactions, including extreme temperatures and hot, noisy, dirty, or dusty areas, and at heights above 30 feet.
Be able to wear protective equipment such as a respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing protection, or eye protection.
Have knowledge of safe and efficient heavy-equipment operation.
Be able to work overtime for snow removal or other special events as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
Knowledge of preventative maintenance for heavy equipment.
Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle activity.
Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, relevant software and/or computer languages used for preventive maintenance, work orders, time reporting, and inventory control.
Ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing in a variety of situations, including face-to-face, phone, two-way radio, correspondence, message-taking, and email.

Responsibilities

Construct lawn and landscaping projects, including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
Install, propagate, and maintain the health of new and existing plants and landscapes using a variety of vehicles and equipment.
Identify plant diseases and insect damage and take action to remedy them.
Maintain lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots so they are clear of debris, litter, snow, and ice.
Implement and monitor chemical and fertilizer programs.
Perform grounds and landscaping maintenance, including planting, pruning, snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal.