Groundskeeper

Universities of Wisconsin • La Crosse, WI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining grounds and landscaping at the University. Work includes planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and bulbs; applying herbicides and pesticides; and pruning trees and shrubs. The position also supports general groundskeeping operations, including snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime is required for snow removal and special events, including the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

The role requires a valid driver’s license that meets state-vehicle driving criteria and a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape, which must be obtained within six months of hire if not already held. The work involves routinely lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, working in varied postures and environments, working at heights, and wearing protective equipment. Compensation is $18 per hour. The position does not offer H-1B or other work-authorization visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
• Must hold 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.
• Ability to grasp, lift, and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physical ability to work in varied positions, including reaching overhead, bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and working on scaffolding, ladders, or stairs, as well as standing, sitting, or walking while performing job functions.
• Physical ability to work in varied environments, including extreme temperatures and hot, noisy, dirty, or dust-filled areas, and at heights above 30 feet, without adverse physical reactions.
• Ability to wear protective equipment such as a respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing protection, or eye protection.
• Knowledge of safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to work overtime for snow removal or other special events as needed.
• High school education.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of 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 for preventive maintenance, work orders, time reporting, and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing in English in various situations, including face-to-face, by phone or two-way radio, correspondence, message taking, and email.

Responsibilities

• Construct lawn and landscaping projects, including soil grading, seeding, and sodding.
• Install, propagate, and maintain plants and landscapes using a variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Identify plant diseases and insect damage and take action to remedy them.
• Keep lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots clear of debris, litter, snow, and ice.
• Implement and monitor chemical and fertilizer programs.
• Perform grounds and landscaping maintenance, including planting, pruning, and maintaining trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and bulbs.
• Support groundskeeping operations, including snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal.
• Work overtime for snow removal and special events as needed.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• Retirement system vesting after five years of employment.
• Benefits are described as adding 40% or more to the overall financial package; eligibility is determined at hire and benefits may be prorated based on appointment percentage.

What This Job Offers

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