What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grounds Worker position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Grounds Worker
Requisition Number
RE52425
Department Name
3CP07:Phys Plt-Grounds Services
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
40
Salary Range
$15.30-24.50/hour
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to and over 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Repetitive motion; Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; Loud noises; Cuts/punctures; Outdoor temperatures and weather extremes.
Shift
Sunday- Thursday, 3:15pm-12:00am
Hours of work will vary dependent upon situational and weather-related factors and may require night(s), weekend(s), and holiday(s) response.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky (UK), the state’s flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.
UK is in search of a Grounds Worker who will play an integral role in maintaining the picturesque campus that students and employees alike spend so much of their day. The Grounds Worker is an essential and important role that ensures the aesthetic and functional greenspaces on campus are supported and preserved.
The Grounds Worker will provide landscaping services to specific areas of campus, which include mowing, weeding, mulching, plant installation, sanitation services, and more. Operation of mowers, trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, loader and other light to medium duty equipment will be required. This position also supports designated venue maintenance and cleanup efforts throughout campus.
The Grounds Worker also delivers the vital winter weather services needed to ensure the campus is safe and accessible for all visitors, including snow and ice control and removal (at any hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays). This position will require the operation of light to heavy snow/ice removal equipment. UK is looking for individuals who thrive in environments that offer task variety, who enjoy working on a team, and who are motivated by making immediate and long-lasting improvements in landscaping and maintenance. This position is a rewarding alternative for those who prefer to work outside the traditional office setting.
UK offers exceptional benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a matching retirement savings plan, vacation leave, sick leave and more. For additional details click here: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits
UK Facilities Management looks forward to you joining our top-notch team to continue the tradition of landscaping and greenspace maintenance excellence!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
MS Windows/Office
Ability to push, pull or lift objects over 50lb; Work during emergency closings, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays; In extreme weather conditions – outdoors.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
High School 1 Year Experience in groundskeeping; turf and landscaping
maintenance.
Driver’s License — Preferred
Deadline to Apply:
01/30/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Grounds Worker
Requisition Number
RE52425
Department Name
3CP07:Phys Plt-Grounds Services
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
40
Salary Range
$15.30-24.50/hour
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to and over 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Repetitive motion; Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; Loud noises; Cuts/punctures; Outdoor temperatures and weather extremes.
Shift
Sunday- Thursday, 3:15pm-12:00am
Hours of work will vary dependent upon situational and weather-related factors and may require night(s), weekend(s), and holiday(s) response.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky (UK), the state’s flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.
UK is in search of a Grounds Worker who will play an integral role in maintaining the picturesque campus that students and employees alike spend so much of their day. The Grounds Worker is an essential and important role that ensures the aesthetic and functional greenspaces on campus are supported and preserved.
The Grounds Worker will provide landscaping services to specific areas of campus, which include mowing, weeding, mulching, plant installation, sanitation services, and more. Operation of mowers, trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, loader and other light to medium duty equipment will be required. This position also supports designated venue maintenance and cleanup efforts throughout campus.
The Grounds Worker also delivers the vital winter weather services needed to ensure the campus is safe and accessible for all visitors, including snow and ice control and removal (at any hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays). This position will require the operation of light to heavy snow/ice removal equipment. UK is looking for individuals who thrive in environments that offer task variety, who enjoy working on a team, and who are motivated by making immediate and long-lasting improvements in landscaping and maintenance. This position is a rewarding alternative for those who prefer to work outside the traditional office setting.
UK offers exceptional benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a matching retirement savings plan, vacation leave, sick leave and more. For additional details click here: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits
UK Facilities Management looks forward to you joining our top-notch team to continue the tradition of landscaping and greenspace maintenance excellence!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
MS Windows/Office
Ability to push, pull or lift objects over 50lb; Work during emergency closings, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays; In extreme weather conditions – outdoors.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
High School 1 Year Experience in groundskeeping; turf and landscaping
maintenance.
Driver’s License — Preferred
Deadline to Apply:
01/30/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Salary : $15 - $25