Grounds Technician

Grounds Technician

Gardner-Webb University is looking for a diligent and reliable Grounds Technician to performs semi-skilled work in the care and modification of university grounds and landscapes. The ideal candidate will be responsible for a wide range of landscaping duties, working both independently and as part of a team to ensure a beautiful campus for students, staff, and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Operation of electrically-powered and gasoline-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines, and the use of small hand and power tools or equipment in planting, cultivating, and trimming grounds and landscaping.
• Perform tasks common to the care of grounds and landscapes by seeding, watering, mulching, fertilizing, and applying chemicals to outside plantings, lawns and turf, transplanting, pruning, trimming, and cultivating trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers.
• Perform regular grounds and landscape maintenance by mowing lawns with riding or push mowers; trimming and edging around trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, sidewalks and buildings; weeding, thinning and cleaning flower beds and other grounds by hand or utilizing proper tools and equipment; and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and cleaning irrigation systems.
• Removal of unsightly trash and debris from public areas by regularly inspecting grounds, drains, manhole covers, etc., for debris; raking, sweeping and bagging leaves, debris, dirt and trash from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, tunnels, and transporting the trash to designated central collection points on a daily basis.
• Safely operates light vehicles such as pick-up trucks, tractors, riding mowers and portable power tools and equipment such as saws, grass trimmers, snow/leaf blowers, sprayers, and other groundskeeping equipment by obeying applicable traffic laws and following operator instructions, and wearing appropriate safety items such as goggles, gloves, or other appropriate protective clothing.
• Ensures that grounds maintenance equipment is operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment and machines within reasonable capabilities.
• Contributes to the overall success of the campus by performing all other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in groundskeeping is preferred

Skills and abilities

• The ability to read English language sufficiently to understand written work orders and instructions as well as directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of cleaners, solvents, chemicals, fertilizers and similar products used in groundskeeping is required. Skill in the proper operation and maintenance of grounds maintenance tools, equipment, and machinery is required.
• The ability to lift and carry groundskeeping supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis, prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate manual, electrically-powered and/or gasoline-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines. Requires the ability to access facilities and areas which may only be accessible by climbing stairs or by climbing ladders to a height of 20 feet (e.g., for tree trimming). Must be able to move throughout assigned areas, as the work is performed primarily out-of-doors, year round. Employees in this job classification are designated as essential employees and must report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed due to severe weather.
• The ability to provide transportation to and from the job site daily and on time.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Candidates should complete the application, include a résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Competitive Benefits

• Retirement matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short term/long term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 17 paid holidays
• Wellness opportunities
• On-campus health center
• Tuition remission

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.