Job # 041957

Department Code 31224-5561

Department Facilities Services

Job Title Groundskeeper

Location Syracuse, NY

Pay Range $24.40-$27.113/per hour

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level 07

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Hours

Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm

(All days and hours subject to change)

Job Type Full-time

Campus Syracuse, NY

Unionized Position Code UP

Job Description

Exercise some judgment to comply with instructions in grounds keeping and equipment operation.

Education and Experience

The ability to read, write and follow instructions.

At least 1 year experience in grounds keeping, including equipment operation and identification of plant materials or an equivalent combination of training and practical experience.

A valid driver’s license; the ability to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

Skills and Knowledge

The ability to read, write and follow instructions. At least 2 years of experience in grounds keeping, including the operation of all equipment, identification of plant materials or an equivalent combination of training and practical experience; a valid driver’s license; the ability to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles

Responsibilities

Cut grass, lawns and playing fields, edge lawns and mark fields; fertilize lawns, trees and shrubs. Plant and care for flowers. Trim, prune and mulch trees, hedges and shrubs. Tree removal. Keep mower blades sharp and report equipment malfunction or need for repairs to Supervisor. Install brick pavers, requiring training. Install grass/lawns, hydroseeding

Dig holes for shrubs and trees; rake dirt, grass, leaves and clean up litter from lawn and shrubs. Remove snow and ice and apply salt as needed. Load materials and equipment on trucks for transport to work areas. Taking care of roof top gardens, climate gardens and rain gardens. Designing, installing and maintaining landscape projects.

Physical Requirements

| • Standing, walking (85% – 90% of the shift)

  • Frequent bending at the waist; able to bend to below the knee (75% – 90%)
  • Frequent stooping, crouching, kneeling (75% – 90% of shift)
  • Frequent twisting and bending of head, neck, and torso (75% – 95% of shift)
  • Full range of arm movement (extension, twisting, and bending of arm and shoulder, reaching overhead, etc.) 80% – 95%)
  • Able to perform manual digging and shovel snow and ice for several hours at a time; raking, loading and unloading trucks lifting items up to 80 pounds
  • Wrist and finger dexterity sufficient to use a variety of hand tools to perform tasks
  • Able to handle and operate power tools (e.g. drills, circular saw, hand snake)
  • May need to work on a ladder, scaffolds, or other elevated heights
  • Able to drive vehicles with manual and automatic transmissions
  • Able to climb up into and down from truck cab
  • Able to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, wet, windy conditions
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 100 feet
  • Push/pull up to 100 pounds
  • Exposure to strong odors, dust, chemicals, pesticides, rodents (e.g. bats,mice), outdoor allergens (e.g. ragweed, grass), bird droppings
  • Able to work in the evening and at night

Tools/Equipment

Safely operate and maintain all listed items with proficiency. Each piece of equipment requires separate training in its operation and function. The grounds persons may be asked to operate multiple pieces of equipment in 1 day. Given the cost of the equipment and the investment, a tremendous amount of responsibility is placed on the grounds persons.

Trucks – ¾ ton and 1 ton heavy duty trucks with different types of plows and salters, chainsaws, Hydroseeder, Boom sprayers, Deep tiners, Top dresser, Kubota tractors with brush hogs and aerifiers, Vicon broadcast spreader, Bucket trucks for tree and ivy removal

Holder sidewalk machine

Toolcat with 3 implements

Wacker Nuesen w/ 3 implements

Ventrack w/ 2 implements

Dingo w/ 2 implements

Zero turn mowers w/ bagger system

Wing mowers

Skid steer

Spider remote control mower

Application Instructions

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About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/109756

Job Posting Date 06/12/2025

Application Deadline 06/18/2025

Full Consideration By

Job Category Union/Bargaining Unit

Message to Applicants

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