Groundskeeper - Associate

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.


The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!


Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.


At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.


The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.


Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.


Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.
Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Groundskeeper Associate supports the maintenance and appearance of campus grounds to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. This entry level role includes routine tasks such as trash collection, mowing, weed eating, edging, blowing, and leaf removal. Associates assist with planting and pruning trees and flowers, watering plants, and applying herbicides and pesticides in accordance with safety guidelines. Responsibilities also include preparing and maintaining athletic fields, including painting and game-day setup, as well as assisting with setup for special campus events. The role may involve emergency response cleanups, such as storm debris removal, to help restore safe conditions quickly. This position requires the ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Candidates should be dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

1 - Grounds Maintenance

Perform routine maintenance of campus grounds, including mowing, weed eating, edging, blowing, trash collection, and leaf removal. Operate, inspect, and maintain landscaping equipment to ensure all tools are safe, functional, and all outdoor areas remain clean, orderly, and visually appealing. May be instructed to work outside of the usual landscape area assigned as needed.

2 - Athletic Fields & Event Support

Maintain athletic fields by preparing surfaces, painting lines, and ensuring fields are game ready. Assist with setup and breakdown for special events, helping ensure campus grounds are properly arranged and presentable.

3 - Landscaping & Plant Care

Assist with planting, pruning, and maintaining trees, shrubs, and flowers. Support watering schedules and apply herbicides and pesticides according to safety guidelines to promote healthy plant growth and landscape sustainability.

4 - Safety, Training & Emergency Response

Help maintain a safe and healthy campus environment by following proper procedures and guidelines. Complete and maintain all required training related to safety, equipment use, and chemical applications. Respond to emergency cleanup needs, including storm debris removal or other urgent situations, to quickly restore safe conditions.

Required Qualifications

Required Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Required Experience

No prior groundskeeping experience is required. Some experience in general labor, landscaping, farming, construction, or other outdoor work is helpful but not necessary. The position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors and follow verbal and written instructions. A willingness to learn the safe operation of grounds equipment and basic landscape maintenance practices is essential. Previous use of tools such as mowers, weed eaters, or blowers is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Experience

Previous experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or outdoor labor is helpful. Familiarity with equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, blowers, or edgers is a plus. Experience working on athletic fields, planting or caring for plants, or assisting with irrigation is also beneficial. Any prior use of landscaping tools or related safety training is preferred but not required.

Proposed Salary

$15.74 hourly. Paid on a bi-weekly basis.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Abilities

Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions. Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with employees and others.


Physical Requirements /Atmospheric Conditions

Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as gas, fumes, odors, dust, mites, gases, or poor ventilation.


Hazards - Include a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current or exposure to chemicals.


Lifting up to 20lbs or greater.

Outdoor Environment - Work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions.

Knowledge

Basic knowledge of tools, equipment, material, and supplies associated with basic grounds keeping.

Skills

Listens to instructions and asks necessary questions to complete tasks. Communicates with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed. Interacts with others in the work area in a manner that encourages accomplishment of work tasks and has the ability to work as a part of a team.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.