Job Description
Position Summary
The Grounds team consists of 20-plus groundskeepers, arborists, and
other specialists who develop and maintain our 300-acre, tree-lined
campus in an environmentally sensitive and aesthetically pleasing
manner. This dedicated team works throughout the year in all
weather conditions while caring for our trees, fields, gardens, and
lawns. Our mission is to create a great first impression and
support the university’s mission of teaching and research through
our effective and innovative stewardship of the campus
landscape.
The
Groundskeeper will perform general landscape
maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, raking,
planting, watering, weeding, caring for trees and shrubs,
performing minor irrigation repairs, and assisting with pest
control on campus. The Groundskeeper will also clean streets,
sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots, and perform trash
removal. We are looking to hire 3 groundskeepers to our team!
The ideal candidate understands that success in this role
requires a commitment to teamwork, a willingness to learn,
flexibility in work assignments, and a dedication to first-class
customer service.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested
applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents
section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any
formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
This position is fully on-site and requires all duties to be
performed in person, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00
p.m., with occasional overtime expected approximately 3–4 times per
year and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as
needed. Per
Rice policy 440 , work
arrangements may be subject to change.
- The role is designated as essential on campus, requiring
consistent on-site presence to support critical operations and
respond during campus emergencies.
The work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment with
frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat,
cold, and rain, as well as environmental factors such as dirt,
dust, fumes, pollen, noise, and hazardous chemicals, including
insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.
Duties may also involve working at elevated heights on ladders
or scaffolding and operating heavy equipment such as chainsaws,
mowers, and hedge trimmers.
This position is classified as heavy work, requiring the
ability to exert up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50
pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds continuously. The role also
requires standing and/or walking for up to 8 hours per day,
coordinating multiple limbs to safely operate equipment and
vehicles, and performing physical activities such as bending,
crouching, kneeling, lifting, reaching, climbing, balancing, and
maintaining visual awareness for safe task execution.
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the
starting salary is $18.00 an hour . This rate is
non-negotiable. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under
FLSA
are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
- No formal education required
- 0–1 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or
a related field
Skills :
- Ability to follow instructions and standardized
procedures
- Basic knowledge of landscaping or groundskeeping (or
willingness to learn)
- Safe use of hand tools and small equipment
- Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor
outdoors
- Dependability and punctuality
- Attention to detail in completing assigned tasks
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Awareness of basic safety practices
- Flexibility to work in changing weather conditions and
schedules
Preferences
- High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in
horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
- Some experience in landscape maintenance or a related
field
- Ability and willingness to learn and follow safety procedures
and basic equipment operation
- Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a
team
- Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks
accurately
Essential Functions
- Maintains landscape plants by performing routine care
activities to support plant health, appearance, and longevity
- Mows, edges, trims, prunes, rakes, plants, waters, and weeds
turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers across campus to
ensure a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment
- Cleans assigned work areas after tasks are completed, including
removing debris, returning tools, and ensuring spaces are left neat
and orderly
- Picks up litter and empties trash cans throughout assigned
areas to maintain campus cleanliness
- Cleans streets, sidewalks, loading docks, and parking lots
using manual tools and/or equipment to ensure safe and accessible
pathways
- Applies fertilizers and other basic treatments to support plant
growth and overall landscape health, following safety
guidelines
- Keeps area drain grates clean and free of debris to support
proper drainage and prevent flooding hazards
- Uses hand tools and basic landscaping equipment safely and
effectively to complete assigned tasks
- Monitors assigned areas for maintenance needs or safety
concerns and reports issues to supervisors as appropriate
- Assists team members with general groundskeeping tasks and
supports overall team productivity
- Follows all safety procedures and guidelines, including proper
handling of equipment and materials
- Performs all other duties as assigned to support campus grounds
maintenance and operations
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice
University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment
Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our
candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic
information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also
provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with
disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation
for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact
Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at
jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest
in employment with Rice University.