What are the responsibilities and job description for the Groundskeeper position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00172PO26
Job Family
Building and Grounds Maintenance
Job Function
Groundskeeping/Landscaping/Turf Management
USC Market Title
Landscape Specialist
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132201
Job Level
A2 - Administrative/Operational Support
Business Title (Internal Title)
Groundskeeper
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Administration and Finance
Department
DAF Facilities Landscaping
State Pay Range
G05
USC Market Range
MRB - $36,608 $44,845 $53,082
Anticipated Hiring Range
$36,608-$44,845
Location of Vacancy
SC
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday 7:00a.m-3:30
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Other
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Responsible for landscaping and grounds maintenance operations for the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus and various off-site locations.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Typically holds a high school diploma or GED.
- Requires 1 or more years of job related experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
- Driver’s license required.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Skilled with landscape maintenance equipment.
- Ability to use initiative and be proactive in discharging duties.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Attends training and meetings; provides on the job training to new and temporary employees; working in teams to provide quality services in a timely manner; sharing information and suggesting improvements in work methods; trouble shooting problems and reporting difficulties to supervisor; communicating and interacting with faculty, staff, students, building liaisons, and campus visitors as necessary; working at different locations as necessary to fill in for absent employees or to alleviate overload conditions; and responding to emergency weekend and/or hazardous weather plan call-backs in order to keep management informed of incidents, issues, and needs; to provide a positive and high level of customer service; and to share best practices and resolve problems within the Landscaping services areas.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Performs additional related job tasks as necessary.
Essential Function
No
Percentage of Time
5
Job Duty
Performs landscaping duties to include but not limited to planting, tilling, soil preparation, watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, communicating need for pest control, irrigation, or any other problematic issues, operating gas-powered, battery operated, and manual equipment including edgers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, vacuums, mowers, spreaders, rakes, shovels, and hoes, egressing all hardscapes surrounding assigned buildings including but not limited to parking lots, drives, walks, stairwells, and garages, and collecting and removing refuse and litter while adhering to University and department policies and procedures, applicable standards for the specific type of work, safety codes, and OSHA regulations, and using applicable equipment and appropriate supplies in order to maintain a safe, clean, and attractive environment, and keep up the property value.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
55
Job Duty
Performs inspections of assigned areas by walking through and observing conditions in order to gather information for reporting to supervisor, communicate with customers, report safety concerns, and provide a visible Landscaping presence to staff, faculty, students, and visitors.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Performs administrative related tasks to include completing incident reports as necessary to communicate accidents, equipment damage or failure, and any other relevant issues; requesting and restocking supplies and equipment from supervisor using various supply sheets and request forms to maintain adequate supplies; daily inspection of equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment; and completes/maintains accurate daily labor sheets and leave requests.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
Yes
Hazardous weather category
Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
03/20/2026
Job Close Date
05/03/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 3, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203797
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $36,608 - $44,845