Groundskeeper

Job Description

Indian River State College is seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper who takes pride in creating beautiful, welcoming outdoor spaces. In this role, you will help maintain the lawns, gardens, athletic fields, and landscaped areas that make our campuses inviting for students, employees, and visitors.

Working as part of the facilities team, you will support the daily care of the College's outdoor environments-helping ensure they remain safe, functional, and visually appealing year-round.

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Florida's Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs.

At The River, we believe every student's and employee's story matters. We value the different perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together on our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that's supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible options online, on campus, and hybrid, we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join the River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to shape the future, uplift students, and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer

At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.
• Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.
• Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.
• Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the college's outdoor areas, including lawns, gardens, sports fields, and other landscaped spaces. The position ensures these areas are visually appealing, functional, and safe for students, faculty, and visitors.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate grounds maintenance equipment to upkeep the college campus and surrounding areas through mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and spraying.
• Maintain records on equipment and grounds maintenance activities.
• Keep lawns, shrubs, and trees trimmed and healthy by pruning grasses and ornamental plants and trees.
• Adjust irrigation sprinklers and systems as needed.
• Complete all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent Associate's degree preferred
• Limited Governmental Applicator's Certification preferred
• Minimum one (1) year of documented experience in lawn and grounds care maintenance.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• Proven knowledge and skill in operating, maintaining, and adjusting the various types lawn equipment.
• Familiarity with techniques used in mowing, trimming, and pruning of grasses, ornamental plants and trees.
• Understanding of procedures for applying fertilizers and pesticides.
• Ability to operate, repair, and adjust irrigation sprinklers and systems.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Capability to work independently as well as with others.
• Must be able to relate to students, the public and other College employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires the ability to perform heavy physical work and meet the following demands:

• Strength and Lifting:

• Lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.

• Perform tasks that involve bending, stooping, and reaching.

• Mobility and Balance:

• Climb ladders and operate elevated equipment.

• Maintain balance while working at heights or on sloped surfaces.

• Move safely and swiftly across varied terrain and around obstacles.

• Coordination and Dexterity:

• Demonstrate strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for tasks such as trimming, planting, and operating machinery.

• Endurance:

• Work extended hours in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.

• Environmental Exposure and Safety:

• Tolerate exposure to sun, wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.

• Wear and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, steel-toe boots, rain gear, safety vests, hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection as required.

• Equipment Operation and Driving:

• Operate la variety of landscaping tools and equipment (e.g. mowers, trimmers, blowers )

• Safely operate and drive college fleet vehicles including trailers, box trucks, and bucket trucks to support work across various campus locations or project sites as needed.

• Travel between multiple campus locations.

• Work on uneven terrain and climb ladders as required

• Chemical Handling:

• Safely handle hazardous chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and weed control products.

• Use respirators and other protective gear when working with hazardous substances.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Classification

Staff

Supervisory

No

FLSA Exempt

No

Employment Type

Regular

Compensation and Application Deadline

Pay range starts at: $15.45/hour | All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on the candidate''s education and experience | Open until filled