Grounds Lead

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 9868872
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 12/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at
Class Code:: KA05
Position Number:: 9868872
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities


Grounds Lead Department: BFT Grounds Services Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Inclusive Excellence Statement Advertised Job Summary GROUNDS LEAD University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Help Keep the Lowcountry-and USCB-Beautiful The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is seeking an experienced and dependable Grounds Lead to provide hands-on leadership in maintaining the University's beautiful coastal campuses. Located in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, USCB offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping create safe, welcoming, and attractive outdoor environments for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Make an Impact on Campus The Grounds Lead performs and supervises grounds maintenance activities across USCB's landscaped and natural areas, walkways, driveways, parking areas, and other outdoor spaces. This position provides day-to-day direction to grounds personnel while actively participating in the work necessary to maintain the appearance, safety, and functionality of University property. Key responsibilities include: - Lead & Supervise: Plan, assign, perform, and oversee daily grounds maintenance activities while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to University standards. - Maintain Campus Landscapes: Direct and perform turf maintenance, planting bed care, tree and shrub maintenance, and general landscape improvements. - Manage Seasonal Operations: Coordinate and participate in spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, planting, pruning, and other seasonal grounds activities. - Support Grounds & Weed Management: Control weeds using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods while following established safety procedures. - Maintain Safe & Welcoming Outdoor Spaces: Help ensure landscaped areas, natural areas, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and other campus grounds are maintained to a high standard. - Support the Campus Community: Assist with outdoor and indoor event setups for University meetings, conferences, student activities, and special events. More Than Grounds Maintenance At USCB, our campuses are an important part of the student experience. The Grounds Lead plays a key role in creating the first impression of our University and maintaining outdoor spaces where students learn, connect, celebrate, and build community. We are looking for a candidate who takes pride in their work, can effectively lead and motivate a grounds team, understands safe landscape maintenance practices, and is ready to be an active part of a growing university community. Work Where Others Vacation With campuses located in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, USCB is surrounded by the natural beauty and distinctive character of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Join a university where your work can make a visible difference every day. Bring your leadership, grounds maintenance experience, and commitment to excellence to USCB-and help us keep our campuses beautiful, safe, and ready to welcome the Sand Shark community.
Minimum and Additional Requirements


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of safety practices, tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in maintenance of grounds. Skills in making emergency and general repairs and adjustments to equipment used in building and maintenance work. Ability to perform heavy manual labor. Landscape industry knowledge
Preferred Qualifications


Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of safety practices, tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in maintenance of grounds. Ability to perform heavy manual labor. South Carolina pesticide license

Additional Comments


Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicant Positions will remain posted on our employment website for a minimum of five (5) business days. After this period, postings may be closed at the department's discretion. Our site is updated regularly, and the length of the recruitment and screening process may vary depending on the position and related factors. If your qualifications are selected for further consideration, you will be contacted directly by phone or email. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: - Health and Life Insurance - Retirement Programs - Paid Tuition - Dependent Scholarships - Annual Leave - Sick Leave - 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) - Paid Parental Leave - Professional Development Opportunities To apply, please visit: EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. je-7f9e8ee8b6814da1bf3f54cbd97c587d
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.