What are the responsibilities and job description for the Groundskeeper (2 positions) position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Category
Facilities
Position Title
Groundskeeper (2 positions)
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Division
Finance and Administration
Department
Facilities - Grounds
Work Arrangement Type
On-Site (Hamilton, NY) – expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$21.29/hour
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Certifications
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
Colgate University bargaining unit employees must apply by end of business on March 25th, 2026 in order to be considered.
This position is deemed essential under the University’s Essential Personnel Policy.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
It is the mission of the Facilities Department at Colgate University to create the safest, cleanest, and most comfortable environment that further distinguishes Colgate University as a world-class educational institution. We work hard as part of a unified team, to make everyone who arrives on campus feel welcomed.
“One team, one mission”
The Facilities Department provides the physical environment, utilities, and facilities support services necessary to promote the educational and research activities of the university. To ensure quality service to our community, we provide strong coordination and communications between multi-functional groups and our customers, with a customer-oriented approach. Training and development of self-directed teams promotes a work environment that encourages employee initiative, engagement and development.
Accountabilities
Accountable for maintaining beautification of campus grounds and athletic fields, as well as completing campus work requests such as moves, large deliveries and event set ups.
Specific Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
2026S025Posting
Temporary
No
Work Schedule
Primarily weekdays and occasional evenings.
April–November: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
December–March: Monday through Friday, 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Please note that this schedule is subject to change based on operational needs and university priorities.
Job Open Date
03/18/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.
Facilities
Position Title
Groundskeeper (2 positions)
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Division
Finance and Administration
Department
Facilities - Grounds
Work Arrangement Type
On-Site (Hamilton, NY) – expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$21.29/hour
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
- Must be capable of working cooperatively with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of constituents.
- Experience in operation of motorized farm-type equipment and some background knowledge of general grounds work and equipment maintenance preferred.
- New York State DEC Pesticide Applicator license highly desirable.
- CDL (Class B) permit or license.
A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Certifications
- A current valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.
- The successful candidate will be required to obtain CDL (class B) permit within 45 days from the date of hire and a CDL (class B) license will be required within six months of hire/transfer date. CDL holders are subject to random drug testing and required to pass a physical exam in accordance with state and federal regulations.
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time, as well as stoop, bend, reach and climb.
- Required to lift and carry up 50 pounds, while from time-to-time may be required to assist with lifting objects up to 100 pounds.
- Required to work in all type of weather conditions.
- Position is deemed essential under the University’s Essential Personnel Policy.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends and overtime, as required.
- Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor.
- Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.
- Required to wear a uniform, as provided.
Colgate University bargaining unit employees must apply by end of business on March 25th, 2026 in order to be considered.
This position is deemed essential under the University’s Essential Personnel Policy.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
It is the mission of the Facilities Department at Colgate University to create the safest, cleanest, and most comfortable environment that further distinguishes Colgate University as a world-class educational institution. We work hard as part of a unified team, to make everyone who arrives on campus feel welcomed.
“One team, one mission”
The Facilities Department provides the physical environment, utilities, and facilities support services necessary to promote the educational and research activities of the university. To ensure quality service to our community, we provide strong coordination and communications between multi-functional groups and our customers, with a customer-oriented approach. Training and development of self-directed teams promotes a work environment that encourages employee initiative, engagement and development.
Accountabilities
Accountable for maintaining beautification of campus grounds and athletic fields, as well as completing campus work requests such as moves, large deliveries and event set ups.
Specific Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
- Delivery of large items, stage/chair set ups and other related duties for campus events and furniture moves.
- Assist tradespersons as general laborers.
- Maintain traffic signage.
- Cleaning of garage and fleet vehicles.
- Snow and Ice removal (mechanically and manually),
- Respond to all general tasks related to campus work requests as assigned. Must be willing to accept assignments at any work location, as workload requires.
- Perform lawn maintenance including grass cutting, trimming, seeding, fertilization, litter and leaf removal, hedge trimming, brush cutting, limited tree trimming and felling, planting, weed control and general beautification of University property.
- Maintain athletic fields for intramural and intercollegiate events, care of hockey rink including ice making and Zamboni operation, pest control and pesticide application, minor maintenance and lubrication of mechanical equipment, operation of garbage and recycling trucks, and other similar kinds of work as required.
2026S025Posting
Temporary
No
Work Schedule
Primarily weekdays and occasional evenings.
April–November: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
December–March: Monday through Friday, 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Please note that this schedule is subject to change based on operational needs and university priorities.
Job Open Date
03/18/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.
Salary : $21