We're Hiring!
Groundskeeping Specialist/Grounds
- Minnesota, United States
- Staff FT Nonexempt
Title: Groundskeeping Specialist/Grounds
VP Area: VP - CFO
Department: Physical Plant
Position Compensation: $25.81 - $28.09 / hour
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota
Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.
Position Summary:
Assists in taking care of the grounds including lawns, landscaping, irrigation, sidewalks, roads, steps, entries, and trees on campus. Works as part of the facilities team in oversight and care of Athletic Fields, project management completion, and campus-wide pest control management.
Key Responsibilities:
• Landscape Maintenance: Assist with the care and upkeep of lawns, shrubs, flowers, and synthetic turf, ensuring healthy growth and aesthetic standards across campus grounds.
• Equipment & Vehicle Operation & Maintenance: Ensure proper use, maintenance, and safety of landscaping tools, power equipment, and vehicles; provide training and guidance to student employees.
• Instruction & Supervision: Support student employees by providing hands-on instruction, oversight, and mentorship in landscaping techniques and equipment handling.
• Operational Support: Contribute to seasonal and event-related groundskeeping needs, including storm clean-up and on-call support as required.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.
• Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with colleagues of the University to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.
Qualifications:
Required:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two (2) years’ groundskeeping or related experience
• Willingness and ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within 6-12 months of employment
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community
Nice To Have:
• Three (3) years’ groundskeeping or related experience
• Experience and knowledge of the proper use, control, storage, and disposal of pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and similar chemicals
• Experience with irrigation systems (installation/trouble shooting/repairing)
Key Skills:
• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Pesticide Licensing: Ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within one year of hire.
• Flexibility: Ability to work on-call as needed for department related events (i.e. snow, storm clean-up, etc.); which may include some evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to work sites or respond to on-call duties, including during inclement weather and/or outside regular hours.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.
Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.