Grounds Worker (Equipment Operator CL1) **New Pay Rate**

Are you currently looking for reliable year-round employment in the Grounds/Landscaping field? The University of Southern Maine is looking for motivated individuals to join our Grounds team!  

This position is core to USM’s ability to deliver an exceptional and affordable educational experience to students in Maine and across the country; AND an opportunity for you to advance your education with our tuition waiver program! 

Facilities Maintenance Workers in the Grounds department are responsible for performing manual work necessary to maintain cleanliness, orderliness, appearance and sanitation of University campus grounds, roads, walks and buildings.  

Responsibilities: 

• Maintains facilities and grounds. 

• Mowing; weed removal; trimming trees; picking-up litter. 

• Shoveling; snow blowing; snow removal. 

• Operates and maintains a variety of vehicles, equipment and tools. 

• Works effectively and cooperatively with members of the Facilities Management team, University administration, the campus community, and external clients and customers. 

• Other duties as reasonably assigned. 

Work Schedule & Location: This position will be primarily based on the Portland campus. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm, and we will consider flexible hours in addition to full and part-time employment. This is an essential position with the expectation that employees report to work on snow/storm days and other days when campus is closed.  

Pay and Benefits: Pay is $21.20 per hour and USM offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes 13 paid holidays; earned vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse and/or eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution; and more. 

Required: 

• Valid Maine Driver’s License with the ability to operate University vehicles per the University of Maine System Administrative Practice Letter 

• High school diploma or equivalent AND sufficient experience, including one year of grounds-related work experience. 

• Proven ability to follow verbal and written instructions 

• Effective communication skills 

• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision 

• With or without reasonable accommodation, must be capable of lifting and carrying equipment and materials up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; and must be capable of standing for long periods of time and flexible enough for bending and reaching 

Preferred: 

• Experience operating grounds-related equipment 

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  

USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates diverse perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  USM encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, and those with differing abilities, experiences, and cultural perspectives. We are dedicated to our