Groundskeeper

Job Summary

Purdue University’s award-winning Grounds Department is all about growing and we are seeking a talented individual to join our team as a Groundskeeper. The grounds staff is responsible for maintaining the iconic appearance of the West Lafayette campus; including landscape and turf maintenance, pest control, refuse and recycling collection, street operations and, snow removal. 

As a Groundskeeper, you will:

• Perform grounds maintenance duties including grounds cleanliness, shrub pruning, turf fertilization and mowing, landscape equipment operation, pesticide application and landscape renovation around several campus buildings.
• Maintain campus lawns by irrigating, mowing, edging, hand trimming, fertilizing, using weed control methods, and performing other, grounds, duties as assigned.  
• Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod, and sow seed.
• Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed.  
• Maintain campus trees and shrubs by planting, pruning, watering, spraying, weeding, and cleaning shrub plantings.
• Plant, maintain, trim, and prune hedges.
• Prepare flowerbeds for growing annuals and bulbs.
• Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and minor equipment operation/maintenance.  

This position represents a dual level posting and will be filled as an Associate Groundskeeper(S1) or next higher level Groundskeeper (S2).

Education and Experience (S1):

• High school diploma/GED 
• Basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness helpful

Skills: 

• Demonstrated basic and intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
• Landscape equipment operation and maintenance i.e. truck, utility cart, etc. 
• Will read pesticide label and mixing per label
• Good work organization and problem solving ability
• Personal protective equipment will be required during specific work duties as determined by the department
• Ability to keep records
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers
• Ability to perform basic mathematics 
• Ability to lift and carry 25 to 50 lbs. frequently, and up to 60 lbs. occasionally
• Works outdoors, at times in temperatures below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees
• A valid US or Canadian driver’s license 

What is helpful (Preferred):

• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License 
• OR 
• Get Paid to Earn It! - Study in paid status
• 100% paid license with multiple opportunities to pass

Experience (S2):
To be considered for the S2 position you’ll need the above requirements plus the following.

• Three years basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness 

FLSA Status