Groundskeeper

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Groundskeeper

Employee Classification: Groundskeeper

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-VP Finance & Admin

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Facilities

Department: UNT-Facilities-Gen-152000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $31,200

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

First impressions matter! As the department of first impressions, the Grounds department is essential to project the correct image of the University’s longevity, culture, and priorities. Here at UNT, we Mean Green, and we strive to show that in how we as a department tend to our campus. A well-maintained grounds provides social, economic, and environmental benefits to the university, the students, the faculty and staff, and the surrounding community. Grounds maintenance professionals create safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes with these goals at the forefront of all we do.

Position Overview

The Facilities Department at the University of North Texas is seeking to hire a Groundskeeper to join our team.
Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
*Participates in mowing, trimming, edging, hand weeding, digging, planting, pruning, trash detail, and all other mowing and landscape-related tasks.
*Works under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor to apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to the campus grounds and sports fields.
*Operates and performs preventative maintenance on equipment such as tractors, spreaders, aerators, sprayers, and other landscape-related equipment, for grounds and sports fields.
*Assists with troubleshooting plant health care issues.
*Responsible for daily recordkeeping of agronomy applications in compliance with TDA requirements.
*Assists crew leader to ensure all safety and proper horticultural practices are followed.
* This position is responsible for outdoor skilled work involving the care and maintenance of University grounds.
* Work is performed in accordance with established policies, landscaping techniques, and specific work assignments.
* Participates in the construction and care of new and existing landscape beds, in addition to installing plants and trees according to landscape blue prints and horticultural standards.
* Mixes a variety of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides while following proper application procedures. Installs drainage for irrigation systems.
* Performs tasks associated with all aspects of greenhouse maintenance and care of flora.
* Determines and reports the need for repairs on a large variety of equipment and machines.
*Participates in inclement weather cleanup including snow, ice, storm events.
* May operate heavy equipment.
*Other duties as assigned.
**This position is considered to be essential personnel, and may require working overtime, which could include nights and weekends as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

There are no minimum education or experience requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
* Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
* Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.
* Ability to apply mathematical concepts to complete tasks (example: measuring and mixing chemicals).
* Working knowledge of the practices, tools, materials, and machines used in grounds maintenance operations.
* May operate heavy machinery.

Preferred Qualifications

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Possession of a valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment; ability to drive a vehicle and maintain coverage under University liability insurance policy, if required to drive University vehicles.

Job Duties

• Works with crew to ensure designated work areas are kept mowed, weeded, trimmed and mulched. 
• Keeps assigned work areas clear of rubbish and trash. 
• Participates in the construction and care of new and existing landscape beds. 
• Operates and maintains tools, equipment and materials used in grounds maintenance. 
• Removes snow and ice from walks and roadways when necessary. 
• Consistently completes expected duties in a timely manner without constant supervision. Accepts responsibility for own work and follows through on commitments. 
• Promotes Facilities core values of Service, Integrity, and Excellence by conducting oneself in a manner that is respectful, honest, ethical, and customer focused. 
• Committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment. 
• Demonstrates punctuality and follows policies and procedures for absences, time and attendance 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

Elevated temperatures.
Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
Low temperatures.
Noisy environments.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Work with toxic or caustic chemicals.

Work Schedule

Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.