Groundskeeper - #220835

$33,540 - $47,847/Yr

Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Cullowhee, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The Groundskeeper position at Western Carolina University involves performing various landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks on the main campus in Cullowhee, NC. The role is essential for maintaining the aesthetic and functional quality of the university's outdoor spaces, requiring physical labor and the operation of specialized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Apply fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides as needed.
• Prune trees and shrubs to maintain their health and appearance.
• Maintain flowering plants, shrubs, ground covers, and trees.
• Mow and weed-eat large turf areas to ensure a neat appearance.
• Collect trash and litter from the grounds to maintain cleanliness.
• Manage fall leaf control and other seasonal maintenance tasks.
• Operate and care for tools, equipment, and machinery used in landscaping and snow removal.

Requirements

• Good physical condition capable of performing heavy manual labor tasks in various weather conditions.
• General knowledge and experience in grounds maintenance work within the region.
• Experience in the application of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides.
• Experience in tree and shrub pruning.
• Skilled in the operation and care of large commercial grounds maintenance equipment.
• Experience in installation, cultivation, and care of trees, shrubs, and ground covers.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written work assignments.
• Team-oriented and mission-focused attitude.
• Valid NC Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to obtain a NC Commercial Driver's License Class B within 6 months of hiring.
• Ability to pass state testing to obtain the NC Certified Pesticide Applicators License within the 1-year probation period.

Benefits

• Dental, vision, and health insurance plans with eligibility beginning on the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions with employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year at any UNC System campuses.
• Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
• Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
• Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Accrual of vacation and sick leave immediately for eligible employees after working at least half of the working days of their first month of employment.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• Access to training and development programs, certifications, workshops, and conferences.