ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

College Grounds Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Colby College

Grounds Specialist

Waterville, ME · On-site

$17.68/hr

Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail ... maintenance, and snow removal. * Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new ...

Colby College

Grounds Specialist

Waterville, ME

$17.68/hr

Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail ... maintenance, and snow removal. * Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new ...

Odessa College

Groundskeeper

Odessa, TX · On-site

$33K - $35K/mo

This position contributes to the overall appearance and functionality of the campus through a commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and quality service while ensuring that the College grounds are ...

Babson College

Grounds Worker

Babson Park, MA

$30.75/hr

IntroductionBabson College is a world-class business school, empowering entrepreneurial leaders to ... Complete seasonal grounds maintenance work, including snow and ice removal, turf maintenance ...

MIDLAND COLLEGE

Grounds Working Foreman

Midland, TX · On-site

The Grounds Working Foreman is responsible for overseeing and assisting groundskeepers in the maintenance and care of the college's grounds, including the upkeep of landscaped areas, irrigation ...

Colby

Grounds Specialist

Waterville, ME

$17.68/hr

Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail ... maintenance, and snow removal. * Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new ...

Midland College

Grounds Working Foreman

Midland, TX · On-site

$58K/yr

The Grounds Working Foreman is responsible for overseeing and assisting groundskeepers in the maintenance and care of the college's grounds, including the upkeep of landscaped areas, irrigation ...

Babson College

Grounds Worker

Wellesley, MA · On-site

$30.75/hr

... College landscapes and ensures college grounds are safe for the campus community. Coordinates daily workload in accordance with institutional priorities set forth by the Supervisor, Grounds ...

Reed College

Grounds Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$21.25/hr

Reed College is looking for a Grounds Technician to join our Facilities team to provide important maintenance of our beautiful campus. The Grounds Technician performs preventative and basic ...

Babson College

Grounds Worker

Wellesley, MA · On-site

$30.75/hr

... College landscapes and ensures college grounds are safe for the campus community. Coordinates daily workload in accordance with institutional priorities set forth by the Supervisor, Grounds ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReal Estate JobsFacilities Maintenance JobsMaintenance Technician JobsCollege Grounds Jobs

College Grounds information

See salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do college grounds jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for college grounds in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college groundskeeper?

College groundskeepers are responsible for maintaining and caring for the outdoor areas of college campuses, such as lawns, gardens, walkways, and sports fields. Their duties include mowing grass, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubs, removing litter, and ensuring that the campus landscape remains attractive and safe for students, staff, and visitors. Groundskeepers may also assist with seasonal tasks like snow removal or leaf collection and help set up outdoor events. Their work plays an important role in creating a welcoming and functional environment on campus.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a college groundskeeper?

To thrive as a College Groundskeeper, you need knowledge of horticulture, landscaping techniques, and basic grounds maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with landscaping equipment, irrigation systems, and safety procedures is typically required, and certifications such as a pesticide applicator's license may be beneficial. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important soft skills. These skills ensure the college campus remains safe, attractive, and functional for students, staff, and visitors.

What are common challenges faced by college groundskeepers and how can they be managed?

College groundskeepers often face challenges such as maintaining large and diverse landscapes, adapting to seasonal weather changes, and meeting the high standards expected on campus. These professionals must coordinate with campus staff to schedule maintenance without disrupting academic activities and efficiently manage resources to keep grounds safe and attractive year-round. Staying updated on eco-friendly landscaping practices and utilizing modern equipment can help overcome these challenges, while teamwork and clear communication with other facilities staff are vital for smooth operations.

What is the difference between College Grounds vs College Groundskeeper?

AspectCollege GroundsCollege Groundskeeper
CredentialsTypically no formal certification requiredOften requires groundskeeping or horticulture certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor campus areas, lawns, gardensOutdoor grounds, landscaping, maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational institutionsEducational institutions, landscaping companies
Job FocusManaging outdoor spaces, planning grounds layoutMaintaining lawns, planting, landscaping tasks

College Grounds generally refers to the outdoor areas of a campus, including planning and overseeing the grounds. College Groundskeeper is a specific role focused on maintaining and caring for these outdoor spaces through landscaping and upkeep. While both roles work in the same environment, the Groundskeeper typically has specialized skills and certifications for hands-on maintenance.

More about College Grounds jobs

What job categories do people searching College Grounds jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for College Grounds jobs are:

College Grounds jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Grounds job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,876 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Grounds Specialist

Colby College

Waterville, ME • On-site

$17.68/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Colby College rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
Department:
GroundsPay Rate Type:
HourlyEmployee Type:
Job Summary:
Colby's campus comprises 714 acres including a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields. Most of Mayflower Hill, including all of the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, is a State Wildlife Management Area. Johnson Pond, the Campbell Trails for running and cross-country skiing, a student-run organic garden, and vast areas of wide-open space provide reasons to enjoy Colby's campus year-round.
The grounds specialist position will perform the tasks necessary to maintain the College grounds, support campus events, perform moving, and set-ups as required. This is a full-time position with benefits.
The starting rate for this position is $17.68 per hour.
Essential Functions
To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.
  • Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal.
  • Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new plantings, mulching, signage, and other small projects.
  • Set up facilities for college events and provide necessary support
  • Move furniture and other materials on campus and within the local area.
  • Perform work, as assigned, to properly maintain athletic facilities including the lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations.
  • Complete manual tasks as required to meet the needs of the College, such as digging, shoveling, lifting, pushing, and similar tasks requiring physical labor.
  • Properly and safely operate grounds department equipment, as assigned by the supervisor, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat.
  • Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground's equipment.
  • Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditions
  • Oversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to college standards
  • Properly and safely operate all handheld equipment including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc.
  • Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury to self and others to prevent damage to any material, equipment, or property, and to follow all prescribed safety rules and procedures.
  • Safely operate tools and equipment necessary to perform job duties.
  • Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnel
  • Communicate effectively and personably with a diverse community of people.
  • Follow all safety rules and procedures.
  • Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
  • Independently respond to work order and requests
  • Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post-secondary education are a plus.
  • Experience working in similar ground positions is strongly desired.
  • Valid driver's license required and must meet the College's Fleet Safety Policy requirements.
  • Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as to adjust as new projects are assigned.
  • Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community.
  • Solid communication skills in order to work collaboratively with members of a diverse community and to provide excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications or Skills:
  • Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
  • Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule.
  • Prior experience in using equipment, including but not limited to: Aerial lifts, chipper, chipper truck, pickup truck, hauling equipment, utility vehicle, stump grinder, chain saw, pole saw, hand saw, pruner, skid steer, personal protective equipment, blower, fertilizer, pesticides.
  • Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements.
  • Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment, etc.
  • This position requires the ability to work outdoors for 8 hours a day and more during a weather event.
  • This position requires the ability to be exposed to nature's elements - sun, wind, rain, and snow, temperature extremes.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively written and verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters.
  • Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
  • This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
  • In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
  • This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
  • Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
  • Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
  • Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
  • The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
  • The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply Now" button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.

What Colby College employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply