Grounds Specialist

Position Title:Grounds SpecialistLocation:Big Rapids (Main Campus)Department:55100 - GroundsAdvertised Salary:$ 22.38. Pursuant to the AFSCME collective bargaining agreementBenefits:Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.AFSCME BenefitsFLSA:Non-ExemptTemporary/Continuing: ContinuingPart-Time/Full-Time:Full-TimeUnion Group:Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)Term of Position:12 MonthAt Will/Just Cause:Just CauseSummary of Position:Perform independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems, and grounds equipment using approved environmental and ecological practices. May require availability to work other shifts, weekends, and evenings, including overtime and emergency call-outs. If required by job duties, the employee must be able to fulfill the University requirements concerning the issuance and use of University keys.Position Type:StaffRequired Education:High school diploma or GED equivalency.Required Work Experience:Three years full-time equivalent landscape maintenance and landscape construction including all elements of flat concrete work. One season of commercial licensed pesticide application. Landscape design education or experience.Required Licenses and Certifications:Valid (current) State of Michigan Pesticide Application License – Category 3a, 3b. Must become qualified in Category 5 Aquatics within six months of hire. Successful applicant will be required to complete a three month landscape design course at eCornell within 9 months from date of hire.Physical Demands:BendingCarryingInclement WeatherMovingReachingSittingTwistingBalancingClimbingDrivingLiftingPulling/PushingStandingAdditional Education/Experiences to be Considered:Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Calculate pesticide application methods and calibrations. Use and follow pesticide safety guidelines as dictated by state and federal regulations and FSU-established criteria.Install and maintain irrigation systems.Install and perform finished concrete flatwork; repair concrete flatwork.Maintain campus lawns and all plant life, including flower and shrub beds, including but not limited to planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, sweeping, etc.Mix and/or apply pesticides (State of Michigan license required), adjuvants, and related products, as well as general ready-to-use, non-licensing-required pesticides and related products.Pruning of trees, shrubs, and other plant life.Snow and ice removal from campus roads, lots, walks, steps, ramps, etc., with demonstrated ability to operate the necessary equipment.Other duties may be assigned.Maintain the safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.Report to immediate supervisor.Coordinate between spray applicators and the supervisor and maintain spray inventory.Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of your duties. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws. Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:Assist in the repair and installation of landscape fencing.Assist other grounds employees as needed.Train students and employees in performing the characteristic duties; direct students’ work.Maintain and perform minor repairs to grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., blade replacement, sharpening, greasing).Request necessary service, garage maintenance, and/or repair of grounds maintenance equipment.Install, maintain, and repair storm drain systems and/or subsurface water control (footers, drains, etc.).Survey site elevations and distances for various landscape and grounds maintenance functions and projects.Maintain sports turf and playing surfaces, including field layout and paint striping.Repair and maintain roads and parking lots, and install and maintain sidewalks, bollards, signs, etc.Construct and/or install landscape functions such as hardscape construction (e.g., modular and/or retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, benches, etc.).Skills and Abilities:Be familiar with identifying trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.Demonstrated knowledge of accepted A.A.N. (American Association of Nurserymen) methods of pruning trees and shrubs.Familiarity with and proficiency in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small-engine and grounds equipment, such as light-duty trucks, small engines, lawn mowers, light-duty tractors and trucks, snow removal machines, air compressors, and other machinery.Maintain University and grounds maintenance industry standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity.Perform duties of higher and lower grounds classifications.Read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, blueprints, safety labels, and equipment operation manuals.Skills and abilities to perform essential and marginal duties.Train and direct students and employees in performing the characteristic duties.Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Physical Plant Safety Manual.Work independently.Work with and lead others in situations involving variable temperatures, noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather.Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.Required Documents:Cover LetterResumeCertification/LicenseOptional Documents:Special Instructions to Applicants:AFSCME members need to ensure their application reflects that minimum requirements have been met in order to be considered for the position.Initial Application Review Date:October 16, 2026Open Until Position is Filled?:YesPosting Close Date:EEO Statement:Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.