Groundskeeper

Operate standard grounds equipment, such as tractors, commercial mowers, sprayers, snow removal equipment, back hoe, etc.

Inspect, provide preventative measures, and maintain ornamentals, turf, perennials, annuals, other bedding plants, bushes, shrubs and trees on campus.

Determine causes and solutions to actual or potential turfgrass, horticultural, pest and other related problems, providing suggestions to the Working Foreman.

Perform special grounds operations, may include monitoring and setting irrigation boxes, digging water mains, working on irrigation system, repairing pavement, etc.

Maintain required records on chemical usage, plantings, maintenance, and motor pool.

Clean, care, and provide preventative maintenance on grounds equipment.

Remove debris, litter, and weeds from University grounds, walks, parking lots, and roads.

Participate in the removal of snow and ice, may include shoveling, salting, sanding, and plowing.

RELATED DUTIES:

• Perform routine grading and seeding operations.
• Assist in moving furniture and equipment in and out of facilities for University events.
• Install snow fences and directional signs.
• Assist other grounds personnel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Most tasks are performed independently, or as part of a team. Assignments are coordinated by the Working Foreman. Administrative supervision is received from the Manager of Maintenance Operations.

Assignments and administrative supervision are received from the Assistant Vice President and/or his designee(s).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May be responsible for supervising student employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• State of Michigan Pesticide Applicators License.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Driver License, in good standing.
• Three years of direct, job-related experience; nursery, landscaping, golf course maintenance, snow removal, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural/landscape procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Ability to compile, maintain, and process grounds/athletics records and reports.
• Ability to begin and follow through with the task(s) or plan identified in the job description, and to take the first step in performance of those duties and responsibilities.
• Reporting of facilities or grounds maintenance needs which are observed.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others and maintain good working relations with supervisor, co-workers, and the University community.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team and to perform assigned duties within scheduled time limits.
• Ability to follow and apply general and specific grounds safety procedures.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment based on specific situations.
• Ability to operate grounds/athletics equipment; may include mowers, spreaders, sprayers, backhoe, tractor, field markers, hand tools, trucks, etc.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
• Ability to pass job-related physical examination, skill test, and/or State/Federal mandated training, licensing, and/or certification requirements within a reasonable amount of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Many duties are performed outdoors and subject to environmental changes.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, pesticides and other grounds/nursery/athletics chemicals.
• Subject to loud noises caused by standard grounds equipment.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job, and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a "Great College to Work For" (2016-2023).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students' performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.