Groundskeeper

About the role

Department

OPS Facilities Landscape Services Shop

Job Summary

Transport materials and/or equipment and perform duties consistent with the maintenance of the grounds and campus landscape areas in accordance with University standards and procedures for University buildings or properties.

Responsibilities

• Weeds turf areas, ground cover, and flowerbeds.
• Prunes trees and shrubs.
• Mows and trims turf areas, rakes and removes leaves; inspects areas keeps them free of trash and debris.
• Performs landscape renovations such as seeding, sodding, mulch installation, and small tree removal.
• Removes snow from walks, drives, parking lots, steps and building entrances. Applies anti-icing and de-icing compounds to paved areas.
• Picks up items such as rubbish, furniture or equipment and transports to specified destination for delivery or disposal.
• Works with garbage contractor to complete the removal of garbage and debris from University sites.
• Empties garbage cans throughout campus and disposes of bags at designated University site.
• Operates all mechanized equipment consistent with the maintenance of grounds.
• Drives all University supplied vehicles.
• Assists in special events.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to ground sprinklers, boxes, and heads.
• Maintains shop supplied power tools, hand tools, and equipment.
• Helps introduce new employees to shop protocol, procedures and campus applications and equipment.
• Requisitions materials and supplies using in-house procedures as needed. Keeps working area safe and clean.
• Wears and/or uses appropriate safety equipment.
• Uses computers to enter and access job related information.
• Undertakes training related to job duties as deemed necessary by the University.
• Performs related job duties as may be assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) from an accredited institution, required.
• College degree in horticulture, landscape services or related degree is preferred.

Experience

• Two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of position-related education and experience is required.
• Completion of job-related apprenticeship program is preferred.
• Background working on irrigation systems preferred.

Certifications

• Current valid driver's license and successfully complete the University's Motor Vehicle Record Check process required.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator's license within six months of employment required.
• Other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Access computer programs and use or learn basic computer operations related to position requirements.
• Read and interpret documents.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Perform mathematical functions relevant to the position.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Advanced job-related training programs is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as required, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures.

Pay Rate

• $30.68 per hour.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 References Contact Information

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Pay Rate Type
• Hourly

Pay Range $24.41 - $30.68

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

• Scheduled Weekly Hours
• 40
• Union
• 042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations
• Job is Exempt
• No
• Drug Test Required
• No
• Health Screen Required
• No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
• Yes
• Posting Date
• 2026-10-01
• Posting Statement

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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