Groundskeeper

Job Description

Do you take pride in work that people see and enjoy every day? Champlain College is seeking a Groundskeeper to keep our Burlington campus beautiful, safe, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors in every season.

The Groundskeeper cares for the College's lawns, flower beds, walkways, and parking areas, and during the winter months plays a key role in snow and ice removal so that campus stays accessible and safe. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Facilities - Grounds, this position works outdoors as part of a close-knit grounds team.

The ideal candidate works safely with power equipment, takes initiative, and follows through on the details. You'll work both independently and as part of a team, and may also guide student workers as they support the grounds crew.
Key Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance

• Mow and edge lawns, prune shrubs, and plant flowers as directed
• Fertilize, spray, and care for plants and flower beds
• Maintain campus grounds and parking areas in clean, attractive condition

Snow & Ice Removal

• Operate snow removal equipment, including trucks
• Keep sidewalks, walkways, and residence hall entries clear of snow and ice throughout the winter season

Equipment, Safety & Team Support

• Use all power equipment safely and correctly
• Pick up litter and clean non-garden areas of campus
• Keep the shop area safe, clean, and organized
• Supervise and direct student workers, and perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related grounds maintenance experience
• Clean driver's license (subject to a Motor Vehicle Record check)
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and reliable follow-through

Work Arrangement

• Full-time, on-campus position based at our main campus in Burlington, Vermont; not eligible for remote work
• Regular schedule Monday through Friday, year-round; overtime may be required, particularly during snow removal season
• Work is performed primarily outdoors, with exposure to extreme weather in both summer and winter
• Physical demands include heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, balancing, and carrying objects
• Work involves loud equipment and exposure to gas, oil, and chemicals used in grounds care, including pesticides and fertilizers

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $20.00 -$ 22.00 per hour
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
  • Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time, and 2 days of personal leave
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
  • Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
  • Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
  • Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
  • Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs

Application Instructions

To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College

The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.

To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.

The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.

Champlain College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, veteran or military service status, HIV -positive status, qualified disability, or on the basis of any other status protected by law, and does not discriminate in the administration of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices or co-curricular and other College-administered programs. Champlain College will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students, applicants for admission or employment, or employees.

Champlain College is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches education and strengthens our community. At Champlain, all members are valued as individuals and respected for their unique contributions.

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About Us

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, private, not-for-profit college in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Its career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for professional life from their very first semester. For the fifth year in a row, Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" in the North by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2020 regional rankings and ranked #9 on The Princeton Review's "2025 Top Schools for Game Design."