Job Details
Position Overview
The Landscape Worker position is responsible for performing manual work in the support of maintenance tasks and activities in grounds keeping. The work includes participation in planting, pruning, application of chemicals for fertilization and pest control, general maintenance, and other elements of the full range of horticultural work, including the operation of work issued vehicles, light trucks, or other mechanized equipment. Routine assignments may be performed independently. May be required…
on occasion to work with a variety of skilled-trades craft workers.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
Job Description
55% - Turf:
- Mows turf areas with string trimmers, hand push, and riding mowers.
- Prepares areas by removing trash and weeds, arranging flower-bed edges, sidewalks, etc.
- Assists in irrigation of turf.
- Assists in the application of chemical fertilizers, and pest control agents.
- Prepares mowers in-field, and in-shop by performing minor maintenance such as changing oil, sparkplugs, replacing belts, sharpening blades, etc.
- Operates weed-eaters, and edgers in finish work on turf prior to and after mowing.
- Assists in the laying of sod.
- Operates tractors and other machinery as well as performs hand work in the preparation of seed beds for the seeding of turf areas.
- Assists in the seeding of turf.
- Keeps simple records associated with the maintenance of equipment and turf areas.
30% - General:
- Maintains flowerbeds by planting, raking, removing weeds, and watering.
- Applies chemical fertilizers and pest controls to flowerbeds, shrubs, and tree plantings.
- Digs holes, moves loads and assists in the planting of trees and shrubs.
- Prunes trees and shrubs.
- Loads and transports plants, trees and shrubs to installation sites using trucks, tractors, and other equipment. Operates leaf vacuums.
- Grades and levels planting sites using hand and power tools, and tractors.
- Removes snow and ice from sidewalks, steps and stairs and ramp approaches to buildings using snow blower and other equipment.
- Performs detailed weed and trash cleaning and plant maintenance of specific areas on a routine or as assigned basis.
10% - Related:
- Completes necessary paperwork and record keeping.
- Informs supervisor of status of work projects.
- Adjusts ventilation on plants.
- Performs minor equipment maintenance projects as assigned.
5% - Performs other work as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally (50 lbs) with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work in temperature extremes, both hot and cold - typically outdoors.
- Work overtime and respond to after-hours emergencies as necessary.
- Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
- Must enter work order information digitally.
Required Qualifications
- Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Six months of experience in landscape, grounds, crop production and/or horticultural maintenance including commercial mowing and/or commercial landscaping.
- Experience in a team based technical skill, craft or operation applicable to commercial landscaping and/or grounds management.
- Working knowledge of standard equipment used in landscape and grounds maintenance.
- Experience maintaining small motor equipment.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Knowledge of safety procedures while working around mechanized construction and maintenance equipment.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application will include the following:
- Current contact information including email and phone number
- Previous work experience including dates of employment
- Name and contact information to three references
Resume/Cover letter is optional.
Application review will begin on Friday, October 16th and continue until all available positions have been filled.
Contact Information to Applicants
Joe Fearn
joe.fearn@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $37,440
Application Review Begins
Friday October 16, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday November 2, 2026