Groundskeeper I

Ames, IA

Full time

R19833

Position Title:Groundskeeper I

Job Group:Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:• One year of experience in operating the machinery and tools used in groundskeeping work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals one year.

Special Required QualificationsValid U.S. Driver's License

Job Description:

The Facilities Planning and Management Department at Iowa State University is seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper I to join our team. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the university's grounds, ensuring they remain attractive and well-kept throughout all seasons. Under direct supervision, the Groundskeeper I will operate and maintain power equipment, trucks, and light machinery, as well as perform a variety of landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, and planting. Seasonal maintenance, including leaf removal and snow clearing, is also a key part of the role. Working collaboratively with the groundskeeping team, this position helps uphold the beauty and safety of the campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mowing experience

• Grading experience

• Planting experience

• Tree and shrub maintenance experience

• Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification

The position follows a schedule of Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join us and contribute to keeping Iowa State University’s campus looking its best year-round!

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates tractors with attachments such as mowers, tillers, post hole diggers and snow plows to landscape and maintain grounds including lawn areas, sidewalks, parking lots and streets.

• Maintains attachments and makes minor emergency repairs.

• Operates and maintains power and hand mowing equipment.

• Assists in the cultivation and care of shrubs, trees and flowers as directed.

• Operates trucks and other transportation equipment as required.

• Responds to calls for emergency service, including snow removal, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and specifications.

• Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment and hand/power tools.

• Ability to apply various groundskeeping techniques to different work situations.

• Ability to lift.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:5731a

Original Posting Date: August 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:September 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19833

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub ( .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University ( attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community ( . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have questions about the application process please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.