"Groundskeeper"

Job Details

Groundskeeper

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code 17031

Recruitment Pool All Applicants

Posting Number req8189

Unit Facilities Operations Admin

Department Facilities Management, Grounds

Department Website Link https://fmd.vcu.edu/

Location VCU

Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Summary

VCU’s Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire a Groundskeeper within the Facilities Operations unit to maintain a healthy, safe, attractive landscape on the Monroe Park Campus.

The Groundskeeper is primarily responsible for general cleanup, weeding, trimming, pruning and lawn care on the Monroe Park Campus. This position will also be part of our inclement weather team and will report as such during inclement weather affecting the university. This position will be assigned to one of the Grounds Zones and work within the framework of the zone team. They will be assigned a team leader and will follow the direction of the Grounds Supervisor and team lead. This position will be based out of the Henry Street deck Grounds teams.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Grounds Work/Litter Control

• To work in a designated zone within the university. To maintain the cleanliness of the grounds within that zone and to work with other grounds team members on the weeding, trimming, pruning and lawn care of that area.
• To assist with the planting of flowers around the University during the spring and fall plantings.
• To operate Grounds machinery as needed as training has been completed.
• Sweeps and collects litter and debris from turf and landscaped areas, sidewalks, streets, and alleys with various hand tools and power equipment including litter vacuum machine.
• Empties trash cans and replaces trash can liners for assigned exterior trash and recycling containers.
• Keeps recycling waste streams separate from trash destined for landfill.
• Reports and corrects trash and recycling container maintenance issues including stickers, graffiti, wear, or other damage in accordance with University policy.
• Supports litter collection during special events

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Understands and demonstrates safe operation of vehicles, tools and equipment
• Performs visual and fluid checks on power equipment and vehicles.
• Recognizes and corrects unsafe conditions or practices
• Identifies maintenance needs, performs basic maintenance such as adding fluids, inflating tires or adjusting tools as needed
• Reports any damage and/or needed repairs to the supervisor.
• Work areas, tools and equipment are organized, secure, and maintained in good condition.

Administrative

• Independently enters accurate timecards in the computer on a daily basis using correct work orders in accordance with AiM SOPs.

Other Duties

• This position is designated to work at VCU during emergencies or when the University closes during uncertain weather conditions.
• This position is also subject to being designated as On-call.
• Safely operates vehicles, tools & equipment including snow removal equipment (plows, spreaders, 4 x 4 vehicles, and off-road vehicles); chainsaws, pruning tools, blowers, mowers, etc. in normal and in adverse conditions
• Wears appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy.
• Identifies, corrects or reports potential hazards to safe work, customers and the public.
• Follows instructions of lead workers or other supervisors. May be responsible for team during supervisor or lead worker absence.
• Performs assigned tasks in accordance with department standards.
• Other duties as assigned including but not limited to mowing, mulching, weed control, leaf collection, and snow removal.

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Able to perform a repetitive, physically demanding tasks daily
• Able to safely operate vehicles in a congested environment
• Able to work and communicate effectively with others
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Able to use a personal computer to enter accurate time cards and charge time against multiple work requests
• General knowledge of professional landscape maintenance practices and grounds equipment and the safe operation of same
• Nights weekends and holidays may be required during special events, emergencies and inclement weather
• Valid Driver License is required
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards

• VDACS Pesticide Registered Technician or Commercial Applicator certification in category 3A or 3B is preferred
• History of working outside in a landscape environment

Required Licensure/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Physical Demands & Activities

• Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Essential
• Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Marginal
• Heavy Lifting (>50 lbs): Essential
• Pushing/Pulling: Essential
• Standing: Essential
• Sitting: Essential
• Repetitive Motion: Essential
• Walking: Essential
• Climbing: Marginal
• Reaching: Essential
• Bending: Essential

Environmental Conditions

• Extreme heat/cold: Essential
• Extreme Marginal
• Vibrations: Marginal
• Fumes: N/A
• Mists/gases: N/A

Emotional Demands

• Fast pace: Marginal
• Average Pace: Essential
• Multiple Stimuli: Marginal
• Intense Customer Interaction: Marginal
• Frequent Change: Essential

Mental/Sensory Demands

• Memory: Essential
• Reasoning: Marginal
• Hearing: Essential
• Reading: Essential
• Analyzing: Marginal
• Logic: Marginal
• Verbal Communication: Essential
• Written Communication: Marginal

Benefits of Working at VCU

• New Employees (0-3 Years of Service) start with 28 days of paid leave per calendar year plus federal and state holidays [link]
• Leave plans built to promote a healthy work/life balance with the ability to carry leave forward to a following calendar year; parental leave for childbearing, caregiving, adoption, surrogacy, or foster care; caregiver leave for dependent immediate family members, community service leave for volunteer work, community participation, etc. [link]
• Tuition Benefit for continuing education and professional development, up to six credit hours per academic semester [link]
• Competitive Health Care Plan & FSA option through PayFlex [link]
• Tax-deferred annuity retirement savings program with Cash Match Plan [link]
• Professional development opportunities encouraged and offered for employees as part of annual career development, e.g. certifications, seminars, courses, annual conferences, mentorship, etc.

Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am - 3:00pm; Overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays may be required for special events, emergencies, and inclement weather; subject to being on-call.

ORP Eligible: No

VCU Slotting: Groundskeeper FM 1 (17031)

Close Date: September 23, 2025

FLSA University Employee

Job FTE 1

Exemption Status Non-Exempt

Restricted Position No

E-Class UF - University Employee FT

Job Category University Employee

ORP Eligible No

Salary Range $33,000 - $38,000

Compensation Type Salaried

Target Hire Date 10/25/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

Documents Needed to Apply Resume