Groundskeeper - Facilities Planning and Management

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Position Title:

Groundskeeper - Facilities Planning and Management

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Groundskeeper

Job Duties:

Attention:

The Department of Facilities Planning and Management in the Division of Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Groundskeeper.

Position Summary:

This position performs year-round landscaping and groundskeeping activities to maintain and improve University grounds.   Employees in this class also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to carry out maintenance tasks.   This position will be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.  Position is listed as a level 2 for risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens.  All work is performed under the general supervision of the Buildings & Grounds Manager and the Grounds Lead. The normal work schedule for this position is 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. Position work schedule may change, including evening, weekend and holiday hours, based upon operational need for snow and ice removal.

 

Goals and Activities

70% Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities

• Mow, trim, rake, edge, aerate and water turfgrass.
• Restore bare areas in turfgrass by seeding or sodding as appropriate.
• Pick up and dispose of litter, leaves branches and other miscellaneous outdoor debris.
• Cultivate, edge, plant, weed, mulch and water gardens and landscape beds as directed.
• Assist in the propagation and care of annual and perennial plants grown in a greenhouse environment.
• Plant and prune trees and shrubs and mulch as directed.
• Safely use and operate chainsaws and woodchippers to dispose of tree waste as required.
• Treat lawns, gardens and flower beds with fertilizer, plant protectants and pest control products as directed.   
• Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Inspect, clean and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.

 

20% Perform Winter snow and ice control activities

• Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season, and return to active state the following spring.
• Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, roads and parking lots.
• Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs and sidewalks.
• Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.

 

10% Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned

• Police campus grounds for litter and trash
• Install and repair signs, posts, fences bike racks and other campus amenities.
• Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment.
• Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events.
• Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various University fleet vehicles. 
• Other duties as assigned.

This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position.  It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees.  Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment

• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice

• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding

Department:

Facilities Planning and Management

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting hourly rate of $17.00 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• H.S. Diploma
• Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment (https://www.uww.edu/adminaffairs/hr/vehicle-and-driving-information#become-an-authorized-driver)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience preforming landscaping and grounds maintenance in a professional setting.
• Prior experience performing snow removal using trucks, loaders, tractors or specialized equipment in a professional setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle.
• Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for long periods, stooping, kneeling and walking significant distances.
• Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30’ etc. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students.
• Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed. 
• Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills

How to Apply:

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or [email protected].

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Stephanie Lederman

[email protected]

To Ensure Consideration:

Applications received by October 8th, 2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.   

  

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.  

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu). 
 
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). 
 
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. 
 
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. 
 
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.