Groundskeeper III

Job No: 539927

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Facilities Operations/Skilled Trades, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

Department: 27012700 - HA-WILMOT GARDENS

Job Description

Classification Title:

Groundskeeper III

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Completion of ninth grade and two years of relevant experience.

Job Description:

Managing/Training Volunteers and Garden Employee(s)

• Introduce new volunteers and FWS students to the history and purpose of the gardens.
• Oversee volunteers and FWS students of work to be performed to maintain the gardens, including weeding, fertilizing, and watering flowerbeds, and removing debris throughout the gardens.
• Oversee the use of equipment including wheelbarrows, hand tools, and power tools by volunteers and FWS students.
• Establish and oversee work assignments for volunteers and FWS students, and take corrective action when necessary.
• Serve as leadership role model for FWS students who will in turn assist in managing activities of volunteers.
  
  

Garden Design

• Design, select and locate plant materials, oversee installation of plant displays
• Make recommendations for planning of garden areas and their continued development
• Advise on the acquisition as well as disposition of plants; grow and/or procure plant material for teaching and research
• Review and supervise all accounting, purchasing, and inventory activities; recommend a total budget to a director or committee
• Set priorities on expenditures based on objectives of the operations
• Participate in long range planning of garden activities
  
  

Gardening/Grounds Work Maintenance

• Maintain and water multiple specialty gardens.
• Lawn care including mowing with zero-turn mower, edging with power equipment, raking, removing yard debris, fertilizing, and watering.
• Pruning ornamental shrubs and trees.
• Removing seasonal debris, blowing, and power-washing sidewalks.
• Maintaining plants and shrubs in garden nursery to include watering, pruning, and fertilizing.
• Applying herbicides to control weeds in planted areas.
• Applying insecticides to control pests throughout the gardens.
• Care for extensive camellia collection including spraying for pests, removing moss and debris, trimming, applying fertilizer, planting new specimens, and applying mulch.
• Periodic cleaning of outdoor storage areas.
• Insure that all plants, shrubs, and trees throughout gardens have identification markers.
  
  

Facility Maintenance:

• Supervise maintenance of facilities, machinery, painting, and utilities
• Recommend purchase of equipment and supplies
• Clean and maintain three-part water feature in Chapman Healing Garden.
• Responsible for Opening and closing facilities each workday. Ensures security of facilities and equipment.
  
  

Expected Salary:

$19.16 - $21.07/hr

Required Qualifications:

Completion of ninth grade and two years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

Landscaping experience of at least four years, knowledge of horticultural practices in public gardens.

Ability to design specialty garden plantings.

Special Instructions To Applicants:

Please upload the following - CV or Resume, Cover Letter and List of Professional References.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position is eligible for Veteran's preference. If you are claiming Veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required:

No

Applications Close: 15 June 2026

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539927

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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