Groundskeeper A (Aft 9/1/83)

Job Summary :

Under minimal direction from Foreman, Assistant Foreman and Lead Workers, performs general landscape and grounds maintenance function as assigned, including but not limited to those listed below.

Coordinates and implements various landscape maintenance and related projects. Identifies, prepares and applies pesticide materials.

May provide direction for specific tasks to Groundskeepers and Utility Workers with Supervisor instruction. Maintains assigned work areas and related equipment in a clean, safe and operable condition.

The role will support the department’s mission and values by exhibiting the following : inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Specific Responsibilities :

• Flower bed maintenance : directing and installing plant material, weeding beds, and watering.
• Landscape construction : provides general direction to others, installs tree and shrub plantings, site preparation and plant removals.
• Turf maintenance : pesticide application, mowing, seeding, sodding, and watering.
• Small equipment operation : lawn mowing equipment, snow blowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, bulb drills, walk-behind aerators.

Drives University vehicles including those requiring a commercial driver's license Class B .

General landscape maintenance : lawn mowing, watering, weeding and cultivating. Instructs and assists with detailed trimming and pruning.

General landscape clean up and leaf removal.

• Snow and ice removal : includes the use of shovels, small snow brooms and snowplows.
• Refuse removal : carrying garbage cans and picking up trash from campus areas.
• Special event setups for University departments.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills are acquired.
• Five or more years of professional landscape or grounds maintenance experience;
• Must maintain a valid Illinois Pesticide Operator License;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, provide own reliable transportation and purchase a University parking permit (as required);
• Must maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License Class B ;
• Must be a member of Local 681 or join after one month of employment.

Minimum Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Thorough knowledge of landscape maintenance and construction;
• Proficiency in plant identification, disease prevention and treatment, and pesticide application;
• Ability to read and understand landscape plans and drawings;
• Ability to operate landscape related equipment;
• Physical ability to work in cramped quarters, climb ladders, and work from equipment high off ground level;
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver weight up to 50 pounds;
• Dexterity necessary for the use of tools, manipulation of materials, and the operation of motorized equipment;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented. Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.

Preferred Qualifications :

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field preferred.

Preferred Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, webmail and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS;
• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits :

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness :

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior / adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development :

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness.

More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations.

We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.