West Chester University Looking for 22-173 Groundskeeper (Semi-Skilled Laborer) – Grounds Department Full Time

Salary: $32,176.00 Annually

Location: West Chester University, PA

Division: Finance & Administration

Job Number: 22-173

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania Facilities Division invites applicants for the vacant position of Groundskeeper. 

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.  We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Grounds Maintenance Department maintains 300 acres of University grounds. Our groundskeepers, equipment operators, and supervisory staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service.

This position provides manual work in the maintenance of the University grounds including lawn, shrubbery, mulched bed, tree, hardscape, parking lot, sidewalk, step, and ramp maintenance.

Responsibilities include:

• Mowing, seeding, fertilizing, grass clipping, string trimming, aeration, sodding, and topdressing of lawns 
• Mulching, planting, and transplanting, weeding, edging, watering, fertilizing shearing and pruning shrubbery, mulched beds, and trees. 
• Snow plowing, shoveling and salt spreading,
• Operation of riding and push lawn mowers, snow blower, skid loader, chain saw and similar various hand tools and vehicles within driver’s license certification.
• Leaf removal.
• Lining of fields for WCU club events and maintain edges to be level with turf.
• Litter removal. 
• Litter and debris removal to keep storm drain grates open for roadway, parking lots, sidewalks, steps, and sidewalk ramps. 
• Emptying, removing, and replacing trash/recycle cans and cigarette urns as directed.
• Cleaning and maintaining tools, equipment, materials, and supplies.

As a Facilities Division Employee that person is deemed “essential” and must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings.

Minimum Qualifications

Selection Criteria: Minimum Education & Training:

• One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction; or 
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that affords the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Some knowledge of the tools and methods used in construction and maintenance.
• Ability to operate simple machines.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects.

Essential Functions: 

This position requires frequent bending, stooping, squatting and kneeling to plant, mulch and weed beds. Applicants must be able to carry 30 lb. buckets of paint; handle 50 lb. bags of fertilizer and ice melt; push a 100-lb. mower; reach forward to trim a hedge or operate a jackhammer; shovel up to 20 lbs. of wet snow and work outside under severe weather conditions.

Special Instructions

Ask about alternate work schedules and advancement opportunity.

Candidates must apply online at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wcupa/default.cfm. Electronic application allows for cover letter and resume attachments.

Applicants must successfully complete interview process to be considered as a finalist.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission. The University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer encouraging diversity. Women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.