Groundskeeper
Salary : $21.50 - $25.75 Hourly
Location : College of Saint Benedict / Saint John's University - St. Joseph, MN
Job Type : Non-Exempt, Support Staff, Full Time
Position Summary :
The Grounds Department at Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Groundskeeper. This position is designated as essential staff. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including :
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 18 Paid Holidays Annually
- Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
- Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
- Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more
Join a committed team dedicated to safety, community, and service in a supportive and values-driven work environment.
The Groundkeeper is responsible for the care and maintenance of all campus and monastic lawns, hedges, and trees, as well as all other duties associated with providing a well-maintained appearance to the campus and monastic grounds. This role performs routine maintenance and repair of all department tools and equipment. In addition, this person will assist in the supervision of student employees. As essential staff, the Groundskeeper participates in snow and ice removal from roads, sidewalks, paths, and other areas. This position responds to emergency situations outside of normal working hours.
Responsibilities :
Mow, trim, and rake of lawns to maintain a neat and healthy appearance.Assist with proper planting, pruning, trimming, and general care of campus trees.Assist with snow and ice removal to ensure safety of sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots, including hand shoveling.Assists with snow removal from roofs and sets barricades and signage to protect areas from falling snow and ice as requested.Perform routine repair and maintenance of all departmental tools and equipment.Maintain and mark athletic fields for practices and events.Install and repair of pavers.Assist in supervising and training student employees in daily grounds tasks, including the proper and safe operation and preventive maintenance of equipment and power tools.Set cemetery headstone and close graves.Collect and remove campus refuse as assigned (secondary job function).Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications :
High school diploma or general education degree required; a two-year technical college degree in Horticulture, Landscape, or Grounds Maintenance preferred.One or more years of experience in nursery / greenhouse operations, grounds maintenance, or landscape construction preferred.Demonstrated working knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and repair; formal training in mechanical or small engine repairs preferred.Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards.Knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping, fertilizer and pesticide applications, and the cultivation of trees and woody plants, or a willingness to gain expertise in these areas.Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to help supervise student employees and work efficiently with staff, faculty, and members of the college and monastic communities.Current drivers license with a satisfactory driving record required and maintained.Availability during off-duty hours for campus snow removal, special events, and unexpected situations.Physical Requirements :
Safely operate a variety of grounds maintenance equipment, including chain saws, pole saws, mowers, leaf blowers, tractors, loaders, bobcats with different attachments, power equipment, trucks, snowplows, lifts, utility vehicles, field markers, ladders, and hand tools.Use appropriate safety equipment, such as harnesses, when climbing trees, working on ladders, or operating lifts.Perform physical tasks for extended periods, including lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, reaching, squatting, and standing.Regularly lift or push objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 80 pounds.Work safely with and around hazardous chemicals and materials.Work outdoors year-round in varying and extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and cold, as well as on uneven terrain and over long distances.Perform duties both indoors and outdoors as needed.Hold or have the ability to obtain a valid DOT health card.Occasional travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.To Apply :
Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume. If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or employment@csbsju.edu.
It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization. Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employers.
