Groundskeeper or Groundskeeper, Sr.

Job Summary:

The Groundskeeper performs grounds and landscape duties, snow removal and equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds and athletic fields and support all campus wide events.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

All candidates must have a 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience in landscape maintenance including operation of grounds related equipment
• Valid US driver's license

 As a Sr. Groundskeeper, candidates must also have

• Three (3) year experience in landscape maintenance including operation of grounds related equipment 

 Relevant combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to operate hand power equipment and grounds related maintenance equipment
• Ability to read, write and perform simple arithmetic
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Representative Job Duties:

• Perform all tasks necessary for routine maintenance of athletic fields and campus landscapes/projects in accordance with Rensselaer’s seasonal grounds maintenance program.  Monitor campus grounds for trash/debris and empty/clean external trash areas. 
• Perform proper planting techniques for trees, shrubs, groundcovers, bulbs, perennials and annuals. Perform proper bed maintenance techniques such as weeding, edging, mulching, plant removal/replacement, seasonal cleanup, pruning and dead-heading. 
• Inspect, maintain and operate grounds and field related power equipment at proper working and safety standards. Clean equipment daily or at the end of each use.  Report and document any needed repairs of equipment.
• Provide support for campus functions and events, including event preparation, setup and breakdown, litter control and site restoration. Provide support for athletic field operations and campus moves as required.
• Maintain water requirements for plant material and turf areas. Utilize manual irrigation when conditions warrant.
• Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus.  Operate, maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institute’s standards.
• Comply with standing instructions provided by operating manuals, safety rules and regulations for personal protection and safety and the safety of others. Report instances of vandalism/theft of Institute property immediately to Supervisor or Public Safety. Maintain work and storage areas in a clean, organized and safe condition.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift:

Business hours with occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response hours required based on operational needs, seasonal activities, campus events, and weather-related conditions. This position may require flexibility during peak grounds maintenance periods and snow removal operations.

Travel:

Local travel between Rensselaer campus locations and athletic facilities is required. Travel is limited to Institute-owned properties and nearby campus areas as needed to perform grounds maintenance, e