Groundskeeper I

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, aerating, weeding, mulching, trimming, grubbing, removing thatch, trimming/edging, mowing and/or pruning. Cares for lawn, gardens, shrubs, flowers, flower beds, trees and walkways
• Removes litter from grounds by emptying trash containers, and sweeping doorways, steps, and fire exits. Removes signage/posters, and graffiti, and properly disposes of dead animals, bodily fluids, etc
• Provides proper upkeep of hard surface areas including, sidewalks, concrete pavers, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, or other outdoor structures and amenities
• Performs removal of snow and ice from assigned areas such as roads, walkways, parking lots, and stairs using hand and power snow removal equipment. Spreads salt, sand, and deicers to prevent slipping
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools, equipment, snow plows, and tractors. Performs cleaning and maintenance of equipment as needed
• Provides support for special events throughout campus. Delivers signage, grills, and barricades
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of grounds landscape and hardscape maintenance
• Knowledge of horticulture practices
• Skill in operating a variety of groundskeeping tools and machinery efficiently and safely
• Skill in reading and interpreting landscaping plans and work orders
• Ability to maintain grounds and landscaped areas in an attractive, safe, and functional condition
• Ability to select and use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) equipment for tasks performed and conditions encountered

Minimum Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED
• 1 year of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 1 - An entry-level role building knowledge and skills. Performs routine, well-defined, easy-to-understand tasks that can typically be learned in a short period of time. Work is performed under close supervision using clearly prescribed methods and detailed instructions.

About Facilities Management Services (FMS) & Grounds
Facilities Management Services (FMS) supports the RIT community by designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a high‑quality, cost‑effective campus environment. The FMS Grounds team plays a key role in this effort by maintaining the exterior campus, including approximately 1,300 acres of land, 32 miles of roads and walkways, and 48 acres of parking lots.

Why Join Our Team
Work with a team that values hard work and the difference it makes every day. FMS provides dependable, year‑round employment and hands‑on training to help you grow on the job.

Benefits
Eligible for RIT’s comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Sick and vacation time

• 12 paid holidays per year

• Retirement and financial planning resources

• Educational benefits for employees and dependents

• Employee wellness program

• Free use of on‑site fitness facilities

Schedule
Work hours may fall between Sunday–Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., based on departmental needs. This position is designated as essential personnel during the winter months and requires flexibility, including call‑ins, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and non‑standard work hours.

Driver’s License Requirements
A pre‑employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is required in accordance with RIT’s Vehicle and Driver Safety Procedures.

FLSA Category

Work Location

Compensation

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information.  This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.