GROUNDS - Groundskeeper-Mechanical

Job Classification

  Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

Performs a variety of duties in the development and maintenance of the Arboretum and Grounds.  Operates and assists in the maintenance of Grounds equipment. Responsibilities include: the maintenance and general beautification of Andrews University Grounds, garden maintenance, landscapes, lawns, trees, sports fields, and hardscaped areas. 

Qualifications summary

A broad knowledge of landscape tools, equipment, and equipment maintenance. This includes but is not limited to knowledge about: tractors, skid steers, lawn mowers, snow plows, utility vehicles, golf carts, and two cycle equipment. Knowledge of landscape materials, plants, trees, and irrigation.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

• Mow lawns


• Helps to repair and maintain irrigation system


• Maintains equipment, tools, and machinery in proper working condition


• Trimming of trees and shrubs


• Plants flowers and landscape plants as needed


• Able to attain a commercial pesticide applicators license


• Fertilizes lawns


• Operates chain saw, and tree pruning and removal equipment


• Operates snow removal equipment


• Available to work on an on-call basis to include: weekends, evenings, and sabbath emergencies


• Performs any other duties as assigned

Supervisory responsibilities

• May supervise student employees to include training, planning, assigning and directing work.


• Be of the mindset of mentoring student workers.


• Have the ability to lead in a way that sets a good example, promotes teamwork, and encourages a positive and efficient work environment.

Qualifications

• Mechanically Inclined with at least one-year experience in equipment maintenance


• High school diploma, GED or equivalency 


• Must possess a valid driver’s license


• Basic understanding and knowledge of grounds keeping techniques, tools, equipment, and safety procedures.


• Experience preferred in driving tractors, forklifts, backhoes, scissor lifts, dump trucks, and mowing equipment.


• Ability to critically assess campus landscape and trees, and make suggestions for the betterment of the campus.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)


• General Knowledge of equipment repair


• Database management


• Maintenance scheduling

Interpersonal interactions

• The applicant must be comfortable working with a very diverse cultural and ethnic group. This includes: students, faculty, staff, community members, and many other groups.


• All persons are to b e treated with respect and dignity.

Physical demands

While performing the duties associated with the job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 75 pounds.  The employee is regularly required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to include:  steel toe and non-slip shoes, eye protection, ear protection, respirator or dust mask, hard hats, sunglasses, gloves, face shield, and rubber boots.

Work environment

The employee is regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and ice). Snow removal is a requirement of the job. The employee is occasionally exposed to: moving mechanical parts, heights, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate, but the noise level can become high when using grounds maintenance equipment. The employee will be expected to handle pesticides, and follow all regulatory procedure when doing so.