Groundskeeper (Part-time, OPS)

program, and boasts a small faculty-to-student ratio, which gives students a more personalized academic experience. Please visit https://pc.fsu.edu/promise for information about our FSU PC Promise to students and https://pc.fsu.edu/ for more information about our campus. FSU Panama City also recently opened a brand new, residential housing complex on campus and right on the water. This new apartment-style complex at FSU PC houses both undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about our on-campus housing, visit https://seminolelandingfsu.com/ .

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscapes, including mowing and edging turf, trimming trees and shrubs, planting and caring for flowers, trees, and ornamental plants, and ensuring the overall appearance and health of landscaped areas. Maintain patios, walkways, stairwells, parking lots, and other exterior areas in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. Ensure all manual and powered grounds equipment is properly maintained, operated safely, and kept in good working order, promptly reporting equipment deficiencies or repair needs to the Program Manager.
• Assist with the planning, development, and enhancement of campus landscaping and beautification projects. Under the direction of the Program Manager, implement landscape designs, renovations, and grounds improvement projects, including the installation of new plantings, landscape features, and aesthetic enhancements that support the campus appearance and operational goals.
• Maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize campus irrigation systems to ensure efficient water distribution and healthy landscape conditions. Evaluate and adjust irrigation coverage, flow rates, water pressure, run times, and seasonal watering schedules based on weather conditions, temperatures, rainfall, and plant growth requirements. Recommend system upgrades, modifications, and expansions to improve performance, water conservation, and coverage. Coordinate and modify irrigation systems as necessary to accommodate campus construction and improvement projects. Utilize diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair irrigation controllers, timers, solenoids, valves, sensors, wiring, and related system components. Determine and implement appropriate disease, insect, and weed control measures, and develop and administer seasonal fertilization programs for turf, trees, shrubs, and ornamental plantings to promote healthy and attractive campus landscapes.

Qualifications

• Completion of ninth grade
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of general safety practices (OSHA awareness)
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification
• Florida Public Pesticide Applicator License
• Florida Public Applicator License with the Ornamental & Turf

Helpful

During the first three months, the OPS groundskeeper will receive structured, hands-on training to build familiarity with campus systems, tools, and safety procedures. The selected candidate will work closely with their supervisor and department head to:

• Participate in guided training sessions on university equipment, facilities, and standard operating procedures.
• Shadow experienced staff to learn daily workflows and preventative maintenance practices.
• Gain an understanding of departmental safety protocols and compliance requirements.
• Take on progressively more independent assignments with ongoing support and feedback.
• Establish strong working relationships with team members and campus partners.

By the end of the first 90 days, the groundskeeper is expected to be confident in navigating campus facilities, performing routine maintenance tasks, and contributing independently to the department’s work while continuing to develop advanced skills.

Contact Info

Inquiries should be directed to David Gary for more information regarding this position.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an OPS/temporary job.

Based on the duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is located on-site in Panama City, Florida and the anticipated start date is Fall 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Organization

Working at Florida State University

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University — with the Carnegie Foundation's highest designation, Doctoral/Research University-Extensive — offers a distinctive academic environment built on its cherished values and unique heritage, welcoming campus on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, championship athletics, and prime location in the heart of the state capital.

Combining traditional strength in the arts and humanities with recognized leadership in the sciences, Florida State University provides unmatched opportunities for students and faculty through challenging academics, cultural discovery and community interaction.

Underlying and supporting the educational experience at Florida State University is the development of new generations of citizen leaders, based on the concepts inscribed in our seal: Vires, Artes, Mores — Strength, Skill and Character.

Epitomized by recently named Rhodes Scholars Garrett Johnson and Myron Rolle — elite athletes and scholars committed to public service — and Joseph O'Shea — a campus and community leader as well as a top scholar — Florida State's 40,000 students are dedicated to academic excellence and providing leadership in our complex world.

Florida State University's 16 colleges offer more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional and specialist degree programs, including medicine and law, covering a broad array of disciplines critical to society today. Each year the University awards over 2,000 graduate and professional degrees.

With its impressive breadth of leading graduate, professional and undergraduate programs, Florida State University is a demanding, intellectually stimulating, yet warm and caring environment for students and faculty. Recognized nationally for its commitment to diversity, Florida State University is a national leader in the number of doctorates awarded to African-American students and in the graduation rate of African-American undergraduates. Its College of Medicine and College of Law are ranked in the nation's Top 10 for Hispanic students.

Florida State University's arts programs — dance, film, music and theatre — rank among the finest in the world, offering an arts education comparable to leading conservatories. Its creative writing program is ranked among the nation's best and is home to the most consistently honored and published student body in the United States. Florida State is responsible for governance of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and associated arts programs, one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.

Other programs consistently included in the top public university list include physics, chemistry, political science, psychology, criminology, public administration, library science, information, human sciences, business and law.

At the Ph.D. level, interdisciplinary programs draw on notable research faculty strengths that transcend the traditional disciplines, including neuroscience, molecular biophysics, computational science, materials science and research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory—home to the world's most powerful magnets.