27-52 Groundskeeper (Two Vacancies) - Grounds Department

Position Summary Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania Facilities Division invites applicants for the position of Groundskeeper. The shift available is Monday through Friday: 6 AM to 2 PM. West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good. WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities. The Grounds Maintenance Department is responsible for the stewardship and upkeep of approximately 300 acres of university property. Our team of groundskeepers, equipment operators and supervisory staff is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable and proactive services across campus landscapes and infrastructure. The Groundskeeper provides manual work in the maintenance of the University grounds including lawn, shrubbery, mulched bed, tree, hardscape, parking lot, sidewalk, step, and ramp maintenance. The ideal candidate is professional, punctual, detail oriented and able to follow instructions. They are dependable, safety conscious and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team. They should have strong time management skills, a willingness to learn and the ability to prioritize tasks to maintain the grounds to a high standard. Responsibilities include: 1. Mow, string trim, edge, seed, fertilize, aerate, sod, spot spray, and top-dress lawns 2. Plant, transplant, weed, water, mulch and prune shrubbery 3. Snowplow, shovel and spread salt 4. Operate riding and push lawn mowers, snow blower, chain saw, hand tools and vehicles within driver's license certification 5. Seasonal leaf and debris removal 6. Line fields for WCU club and band events 7. Remove litter and debris campus wide 8. Maintain storm drains 9. Empty, remove, and replace trash/recycling cans and cigarette urns as directed 10. Clean and maintain tools, equipment, materials, and supplies 11. Other duties as assigned As a member of the Facilities Divisional staff, this position is deemed essential. Essential employees must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings of the University due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances or for other reasons. ## Minimum Qualifications 1. One year of experience in groundskeeping work; OR 1. Any equivalent combination of experience and training 2. Valid driver's license Required knowledge, skills and abilities: 1. Knowledge of groundskeeping and simple horticultural practices 2. Knowledge of the care of lawns, flowers, trees, and common shrubs 3. Knowledge of the potential hazards of toxic chemical pesticides and herbicides, and the safety precautions required to minimize these hazards 4. Ability to interpret pesticide and herbicide label directions and related literature 5. Ability to maintain and make ordinary repairs to machinery, equipment and improvements, such as walks, lanes parking places, sheds, and benches 6. Ability to lay out and participate in planting, watering, sodding, praying and trimming and cleaning work in lawns, gardens and walks 7. Good physical condition to permit long hours of outdoor physical labor ## Preferred Qualifications 1. Outdoor labor experience 2. Landscaping experience 3. Bulk trash removal experience 4. Customer service experience ## Special Instructions Salary and benefits are dictated by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. Candidates must apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Compliant with applicable collective bargaining agreement, this advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates. Due to the nature of this position, employment visa sponsorship is not available. Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website. Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer. Email [email protected] for questions regarding the application process.