GROUNDSKEEPER III

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Serving the U-M community, Custodial & Grounds Services are the stewards of the buildings and grounds that make the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan unique. Our employees are dedicated to the preservation of the academic and hospital campuses and pride themselves in giving exceptional customer service while conserving, enhancing and maintaining more than 26 million square feet of property.


As stewards for the outdoor properties of the U-M's Ann Arbor Campus, Grounds Services provides horticultural and grounds keeping maintenance. Our specialized crews are dedicated professionals who pride themselves in caring for the university's natural areas.

Responsibilities*

Operate vehicles requiring Commercial Driver's License B with air brake endorsement to maintain roads during the winter months and hauling of bulk supplies to support grounds maintenance zone needs

Operate specialized equipment for project work including but not limited to remote controlled storm basin mowers designed to remove invasive trees and plants, hydroseeders, lawn sprayers and equipment used to maintain artificial sports fields.

Install and maintain metal fencing for construction projects and tree protection.

Mix and apply herbicides and fertilizers in properly calibrated proportions requiring Michigan Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicator License with 3a, 3b and 6 categories

Plant and maintain annuals, perennials, native plants, shrubs and small trees.

Remove unwanted vegetation by weeding or by cultivation with hand tools.

Collect, haul and dispose of refuse and debris.

Pick up litter and remove postings from light poles and other site furniture.

Operate motor vehicles (requiring a Chauffeur's license) to perform assigned duties.

Routinely operate various Grounds maintenance equipment such as loaders, tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, leaf equipment, etc.

Routinely use various Grounds maintenance hand tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, blowers, rototillers, push spreaders, backpack sprayers, wheelbarrows, string trimmers, etc.

Clean, maintain and perform preventative maintenance to equipment such as lubrication and sharpening blades as well as making adjustments for proper operation.

Remove snow from entryways, walks, steps, and parking lots and roads utilizing shovels, snow blowers, tractors with a rotary broom or blade, trucks with plows, sprayers and spreaders.

Repair university roads and hardscape using cold patch or other materials.

Install and maintain chain and post

Erect street and pedestrian barricades.

Routinely and independently move materials (weighing up to 50 lbs) from the floor to the transportation vehicle and from the transportation vehicle to various sites across campus, including areas inside and outside of buildings as well as on various types of terrain

Clean assigned areas of work and equipment.


Required Qualifications*

• Minimum two (2) years of Groundskeeper experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with no more than 7 points.
• Must have and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Air Brake endorsement and no restrictions
• Ability to obtain upon employment and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card.
• Must have and maintain Michigan Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicator License with 3a, 3b and 6 categories,or the ability to obtain within 90 days of start date in
  position.
• Willingness to routinely extend work shifts during winter weather events.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required during winter operations.

Desired Qualifications*

• Demonstrated experience operating a CDL required salt truck equipped with an underbody scraper.
• Experience operating large loaders and agricultural tractors.
• Experience transporting and simultaneously operating pesticide spraying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Knowledge of soil erosion and sediment control measures.
• Knowledge of Plant and Turf establishment and maintenance.
• Maintenance of artificial athletic fields.
• Operation of specialized grounds equipment, such as remote controlled storm basin mowers. h
  ydroseeders, and large capacity lawn sprayers.
• Experience performing specialized landscape and grounds maintenance tasks requiring advanced equipment and technical skills.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 4:00 am - 12:30 pm. Department may offer/approve 4 day 10 hour work week with a 4am start time.

Willingness to routinely extend work shifts during winter weather events.

Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required during winter operations.

Additional work schedules could be any of the following to support winter operational needs (determined by seniority)

• Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Monday - Friday, 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Additional Information

Facilities and Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.


Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the AFSCME union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

282173

Working Title

GROUNDSKEEPER III

Job Title

GROUNDSKEEPER III

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite


Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

Fo Custodial Grounds

Department

Grounds Services

Posting Begin/End Date

8/24/2026 - 8/29/2026

Salary

$56,472.00 - $60,673.60

Career Interest

Service/Maintenance (AFSCME Union)