Seasonal Grounds Assistant (Part-Time)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see  Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is seeking a seasonal grounds assistant to aid fulltime grounds and facility staff with summer upkeep of trails and landscaping. 

Established in 1976, Shaver’s Creek is an environmental education field laboratory seeking to enhance the quality of life of our local and global community by providing exemplary outdoor learning opportunities. Administered by Penn State Outreach, the Center functions as a university field campus providing facilities and programming that meet the education and research needs of many academic disciplines.

The Center is located within Penn State’s 7,000 acre Stone Valley Forest, 13 miles south of State College.  We traditionally offer summer camps, environmental education programs, natural/cultural history exhibits, live amphibians and reptiles, hiking trails, native gardens and more. Our Aviary is one of the few federally and state licensed facilities in Pennsylvania providing perpetual care and housing for eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance of grounds and trails to include watering, weeding, planting, mulching, mowing, landscaping, cutting/moving brush and pruning shrubs, etc.
• Operate tractors, power grounds equipment, power saws, pneumatic tools, hand tools, rotary and riding mowers, etc.
• Paint benches, fences, signposts, etc. 
• Conduct event set up, tear down, and clean up. Move furniture, equipment, and materials as required. Assist in setting up designated areas for various functions as required.
• Maintain tools, equipment and work area in clean and orderly condition; report unusual conditions, need for repairs, or when additional supplies are needed to supervisor. Perform equipment checks; adjust, clean, oil, grease, inspect tire pressure, etc.
• Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, paper, spoil, and rubbish from walks, roads, curbs, parking lots, lawns, and other University property. Remove snow and ice from walks, roads, and parking lots; apply anti-skid materials.
• Report unusual job conditions to supervisor.
• Perform interior and exterior maintenance painting.
• May occasionally help clean hallways, offices, restrooms, classrooms, visitors center, lounges, utility rooms, etc., using methods and materials specified by the supervisor.
• Unlock and lock building entrances and room doors; close and lock windows; turn out lights.
• Assist higher graded maintenance workers. Occasionally direct the work of part-volunteers as required.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate clearly with managers and other personnel.
• Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 40 pounds; with or without accommodations
• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)

Schedule:

Approximately 10-week position with possibility for extension, and potential to work up to 40 hours per week, as needed.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on swooped.co.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.