Groundskeeper

University of Saint Joseph • West Hartford, CT

23d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper performs specialized gardening and landscaping tasks to maintain and improve the appearance of the University of Saint Joseph’s 100-acre campus. Work may be performed independently or as part of a team and includes maintaining athletic fields and removing snow. The position uses hand tools, power tools, equipment, and vehicles to care for grounds, gardens, roads, and parking areas.

The role also includes routine and preventative maintenance of grounds equipment and fleet vehicles, support for campus events and furniture movement, and compliance with safety and risk management policies. Work is performed outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to heat and cold and to moderate or loud noise. Protective clothing and/or personal protective equipment is required as specified by the work environment or governmental regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of basic groundskeeping experience.
• Experience operating equipment, including but not limited to plow trucks, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, and lifts.
• Knowledge of lawn, garden, and flower bed maintenance.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to remove snow and ice on-call and during storms, including operating small equipment and/or shoveling as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with snowplowing.
• Knowledge of other trades or advanced mechanical ability.
• Operating experience with equipment such as skid steers, backhoes, loaders, and lifts.
• OSHA certification; OSHA 10 or higher is preferred but not required, and training will be provided.
• Pesticide licensure may be required.

Responsibilities

• Mow lawns and trim grass around walks, flower beds, trees, and walls.
• Prune shrubs and trees to shape them and improve growth.
• Remove fallen or damaged leaves, branches, and twigs using mowers, tractors, and other hand and power tools.
• Maintain gardens and flower beds, and lay out and maintain flower beds, mulch beds, and other decorative vegetation.
• Maintain and sharpen tools and make minor equipment repairs as needed.
• Plant and water grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs, and use products to maintain them.
• Remove snow and ice from walks, roads, and driveways using hand tools, machines, or vehicles; be available on-call and during storms, and operate small equipment and/or shovel as required.
• Spread salt, pick up litter, rake, and remove debris from hard surfaces.
• Clean drainage ditches and culverts, fill potholes, and sweep accumulated debris along curb lines.
• Maintain driveways and parking lots.
• Repair fences, gates, and walls.
• Mark and maintain sports fields as needed.
• Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and preventative maintenance on grounds equipment and fleet vehicles.
• Operate trucks and assorted power equipment as needed, including mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws.
• Participate in setup and teardown of event furniture, such as tables, chairs, and tents, as needed.
• Participate in moving furniture, supplies, and materials as needed.
• Comply with safety and risk management policies and procedures.
• Participate in regular safety meetings, safety training, and hazard assessments.

Benefits

• Benefit-eligible employees may participate in the University’s health and welfare benefits program, including medical and dental insurance and a retirement plan with 403(b) matching, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

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