Groundskeeper in Kent

Physical Location: Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary: $16.57 - $17.31 (6 month rate)

Basic Function: Performs grounds maintenance functions. Reports to Groundskeeper Crew Leader, Groundskeeping Supervisor, or other designated supervisor.

Examples of Duties: Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Mows, trims, and edges lawns; weeds and waters lawns and flower beds; prunes trees and shrubs; plants and transplants trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers; operates hand and chain saw to cut trees and wood.
• Operates various equipment and motor vehicles in performance of job duties (e.g., garden tractors, power mowers, etc.).
• Applies insecticides and fertilizers to control insects and disease and promote growth of lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower beds; applies top soil; prepares surfaces for seeding or sodding; mows, aerates, drags, lays out, lines, and paints athletic fields; seeds and sods lawns.
• Keeps grounds clean; picks up papers and other debris, rakes leaves, operates vacuum sweeper to clean sidewalks and parking lots when necessary.
• Removes snow and ice using snow blower, snow thrower, hand shovel, and/or broom; applies salt and/or sand to snow and ice.
• May drive vehicle to pick up and deliver materials, equipment, and personnel; performs routine maintenance of tools and grounds equipment (e.g., cleans, paints, oils, sharpens, etc.); performs routine building maintenance and custodial duties, as assigned.
• May train and direct student employees or employees in a lower pay grade in University grounds procedures; may participate in training new employees.
• May assist skilled tradespersons as assigned. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of six months of work experience.

License/Certification: Valid Ohio driver's license with safe driving record, if required by position. May require pesticide applicator's license or be able to successfully complete requirements for license during probationary period.

Knowledge Of: Grounds maintenance (e.g., applying sprays, planting, pruning, trimming, transplanting, etc.)

Skill In: Use of hand and power tools; Operating and maintaining various types of grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., power mower, garden tractor, chain saw, sod cutter, rotary tiller, snow thrower).

Ability To: Demonstrate physical dexterity and lift 50 pounds; Read (e.g., work orders, product labels), write (e.g., repair orders), and accurately follow oral and written instructions; Apply safety practices; Perform basic mathematics (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages).

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: Works primarily outdoors; exposed to variable temperatures and weather conditions, dirt, dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, loud equipment noise, and potentially dangerous equipment (e.g., power mower, garden tractor); requires considerable physical exertion to include frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds (e.g., fertilizer, shrubs), occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds (e.g., trees, barrels of soil), and extended periods of kneeling, stooping, standing and walking; may work varied hours and shifts to include early mornings and evenings; requires on- and off-campus travel.

Working Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; however, schedule may vary to meet departmental needs.

Additional Information: Must pass a security check.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind. Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco is not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international.