Grounds Worker

Position Title : Grounds Worker

Location :

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department : 55100 - Grounds

Advertised Salary :

$17.85 - $21.12 hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME / AFL-CIO Agreement.

Benefits :

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

AFSCME Benefits

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Temporary / Continuing :

Continuing

Part-Time / Full-Time :

Full-Time

Union Group :

Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)

Term of Position : 12 Month

At Will / Just Cause :

Just Cause

Summary of Position :

Perform independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems and grounds equipment using approved environmental and ecological practices. Normal working hours are M-F, 7 : 00 am - 3 : 30 pm. This position may require availability to work other shifts, weekends and evenings, including overtime and responding to emergency calls. If required by job duties, employee must be able to fulfill University requirements concerning issuance and use of University keys.

Position Type : Staff

Required Education :

High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Required Work Experience :

One year full-time equivalent landscape maintenance functions as performed in a residential and / or commercial setting.

Required Licenses and Certifications :

Valid driver's license.

Physical Demands :

Bending

Carrying

Electrical Hazards

Inclement Weather

Moving

Reaching

Sitting

Twisting

Balancing

Climbing

Driving

Heights

Lifting

Pulling / Pushing

Repetitive movement

Standing

Additional Education / Experiences to be Considered :

Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities :

Maintain campus lawns, all plant life, flower and shrub beds including but not limited to planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, sweeping, etc.

Snow and ice removal from campus roads, lots, walks, steps, ramps, etc. with mechanical and powered equipment.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to repair and maintain irrigation systems.

Apply general use ready-to-use, non-licensing required pesticide and related products.

Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.

Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.

Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties / Responsibilities :

Assist in the repair of landscape fencing.

Install landscape functions such as hardscape construction (e.g., modular and / or retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, benches, etc.).

Assist with the installation and maintenance of concrete flat work.

Assist with Installing, maintaining and repairing storm drain systems.

Maintenance of sports turf and playing surfaces including field layout and paint striping.

Maintain and perform minor repair of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e., blade replacement, sharpening, greasing, etc.).

Assist in the installation, repair and maintenance of sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, bollards, etc.

Request necessary service garage maintenance and / or repair of grounds maintenance equipment.

Assist in the survey of site elevations and distances for various landscape and grounds maintenance functions.

Other duties may be assigned including assistance of other grounds employees as needed.

Maintain safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.

Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.

Report to immediate supervisor.

Train students and employees in the performance of the characteristic duties. Carry out these responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.

Assist other grounds employees as needed.

Skills and Abilities :

Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Familiarity with and proficiency in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small engine / grounds equipment such as light duty trucks, small engines, lawn mowers, light duty tractors and skidsteers, snow removal machines, air compressors, and any other equipment associated with grounds related work functions.

Maintain University and grounds maintenance industry standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity.

Read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operations manuals.

Skills and abilities to perform essential and marginal duties.

Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Physical Plant Safety Manual.

Work harmoniously with others and in situations of variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and in inclement weather environments.

Work independently.

Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Required Documents :

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents :

Special Instructions to Applicants :

AFSCME members need to ensure that their application is up-to-date and reflects minimum qualifications necessary for position.

Initial Application Review Date :

September 2, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled? :

Yes

Posting Close Date : EEO Statement :

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu . The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit : Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement .

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