What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Plant - Groundskeeper position at Hope College?
Position Title
Physical Plant - Groundskeeper
Classification Title
Hourly Full Time (1.0 FTE)
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligibility
Department
Physical Plant
Job Description
- Position Summary
The Groundskeeper is a full-time (40 hours per week) position responsible for maintaining the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of the College’s grounds and outdoor spaces. This role requires flexible working hours as determined by the supervisor to meet seasonal and special campus needs. Work will include weekends, early mornings—especially during winter—and occasional overtime.
Responsibilities- Perform routine landscaping maintenance including mowing, pruning, fertilization, pesticide control, planting, leaf removal, and parking lot maintenance.
- Manage care of all campus turf areas to maintain healthy, attractive green spaces; apply pesticides as needed and follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Best Management Practices (BMP).
- Accomplish snow and ice removal from drives, sidewalks, steps, and parking lots; coordinate contracted snow removal when required; order sidewalk bulk salt.
- Serve as working crew leader for student laborers, providing training, supervision, and scheduling; ensure safety and productivity.
- Coordinate work with other members of the Grounds Department and cooperate with other campus personnel to complete assigned tasks.
- Collaborate with irrigation technicians to ensure proper coverage and health of turf.
- Conduct seasonal cleanup (leaf removal, mulching, edging walkways/hardscapes, bed cleanup, and turf repairs).
- Perform trash cleanup and assist with outdoor event setups.
- Care for and clean assigned equipment regularly.
- Participate in continuing education opportunities and maintain required certifications.
Assist with additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
- Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in horticulture, landscaping, and/or grounds maintenance.
- Post-secondary coursework in horticulture preferred.
- Supervisory experience with grounds staff or student workers desirable.
- Experience operating and maintaining grounds equipment.
- Knowledge of fertilizers, soils, turf management, pesticides, pruning, and tree/shrub identification.
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems and field marking for athletic fields.
- Ability to operate all grounds equipment including mowing and snow removal machinery, as well as 4-wheel drive vehicles with plows.
- Capable of performing routine maintenance on assigned equipment.
- Must be able to obtain any necessary licenses.
Physical Demands
This position requires remaining in a sitting or position for frequent periods of time; sometimes includes crouching, bending, and having to work in confined spaces or on ladders. This position often works in non-climate controlled spaces. Occasionally involves moving and lifting items over 25 pounds; frequently will move between different offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication abilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) that require(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may be requested.
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Some positions may have position specific requirements, such as education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug screening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2023-332SR
Job Posting Open Date
10/16/2025
Job Posting Close Date
10/31/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Is this position available for sponsorship
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References