Demo

Groundskeeper

Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 3/22/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/21/2026
Job Description:

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Grounds Maintenance worker with the Grounds Department, you will:

  • Perform grounds maintenance duties including grounds cleanliness, shrub pruning, turf fertilization and mowing, landscape equipment operation, pesticide application and landscape renovation around several campus buildings
  • Maintain campus lawns by irrigating, mowing, edging, hand trimming, fertilizing, using weed control methods, and performing other grounds duties as assigned
  • Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod and sow seed
  • Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed. Additionally, maintain campus trees and shrubs by planting, pruning, watering, spraying, weeding and cleaning shrub plantings
  • Plant, maintain, trim, and prune hedges
  • Prepare flowerbeds for growing annuals and bulbs
  • Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and minor equipment operation/maintenance
  • Required to work overtime for special events and campus snow removal
  • Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies

This position represents a dual-level posting and will be filled as an Associate Grounds Maintenance worker (S1) or a Grounds Maintenance worker (S2). The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Skills Needed:

What We're Looking For:

  • Demonstrated basic to intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
  • Ability to read pesticide label and mixing per label
  • Ability to keep records
  • Ability to read, write and speak English required
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers
  • Ability to perform basic mathematics needed
  • Good work organization and problem-solving ability required
  • Landscape equipment operation and maintenance i.e. truck, utility cart, etc. necessary
  • Personal protective equipment will be required during specific work duties as determined by the department
  • Valid driver’s license required

Required:

Associate Grounds Maintenance (S1):

  • High school diploma/GED required
  • Basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness helpful

Preferred:

  • Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License

Required:

Grounds Maintenance (S2):

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Three years in basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness

Additional Information:

  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Purdue University is an EO/EA University
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
  • Purdue University is an EO/EA employer

Career Stream

  • Administrative and Operational Support 1 (S1)
  • Pay Band S030
  • Job Code# 20003357
  • Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

OR

  • Administrative and Operational Support 2 (S2)
  • Pay Band S035
  • Job Code# 20003659
  • Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

Salary.com Estimation for Groundskeeper in West Lafayette, IN
$44,292 to $57,967
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