Grounds Worker

Position Title

Grounds Worker

Location

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department

55100 - Grounds

Advertised Salary

$18.21 - $21.54 hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

AFSCME Benefits

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Temporary/Continuing

Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time

Full-Time

Union Group

Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)

Term of Position

12 Month

At Will/Just Cause

Just Cause

Summary of Position

Perform independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems and grounds equipment using approved environmental and ecological practices. Normal working hours are M-F, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. This position may require availability to work other shifts, weekends and evenings, including overtime and responding to emergency calls. If required by job duties, employee must be able to fulfill University requirements concerning issuance and use of University keys.

Position Type

Staff

Required Education

High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Required Work Experience

One year full-time equivalent landscape maintenance functions as performed in a residential and/or commercial setting.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver's license.

Physical Demands

• Balancing
• Bending
• Climbing
• Carrying
• Driving
• Electrical Hazards
• Heights
• Inclement Weather
• Lifting
• Moving
• Pulling/Pushing
• Reaching
• Repetitive movement
• Sitting
• Standing
• Twisting

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered

Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Maintain campus lawns, all plant life, flower and shrub beds, including but not limited to planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and litter removal, mulching, sweeping, etc.

Snow and ice removal from campus roads, lots, walks, steps, ramps, etc. With mechanical and powered equipment.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to repair and maintain irrigation systems.

Apply general-use, ready-to-use, non-licensing required pesticide and related products.

Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of your duties.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.

Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws.

Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.

Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities

Assist in the repair of landscape fencing.

Install landscape functions such as hardscape construction (e.g., modular and/or retaining walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, benches, etc.).

Assist with the installation and maintenance of concrete flatwork.

Assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing storm drain systems.

Maintenance of sports turf and playing surfaces, including field layout and paint striping.

Maintain and perform minor repairs of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e., blade replacement, sharpening, greasing, etc.).

Assist in the installation, repair,r and maintenance of sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, bollards, etc.

Request necessary service, garage maintenance and/or repair of grounds maintenance equipment.

Assist in the survey of site elevations and distances for various landscape and grounds maintenance functions.

Other duties may be assigned,d including assistance of other grounds employees as needed.

Maintain safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.

Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.

Report to immediate supervisor.

Train students and employees in the performance of the characteristic duties. Carry out these responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.

Assist other grounds employees as needed.

Skills and Abilities

Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

Familiarity with and proficiency in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small engine/grounds equipment such as light-duty trucks, small engines, lawn mowers, light-duty tractors and skid steers, snow removal machines, air compressors, and any other equipment associated with grounds-related work functions.

Maintain University and grounds maintenance industry standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity.

Read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operations manuals.

Skills and abilities to perform essential and marginal duties.

Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Physical Plant Safety Manual.

Work harmoniously with others and in situations of variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and in inclement weather environments.

Work independently.

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicants

Initial Application Review Date

11/23/2026

Open Until Position is Filled?

No

Posting Close Date

EEO Statement

Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

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