Entry Level Groundskeeper Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced and technology-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award-winning, high-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, more than 30 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates, and continuing education programs.
As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction - among other ranking sources.
Georgia College & State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high-impact practices such as internships, service- and community-based learning, leadership development, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking.
The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, a National Historic Landmark owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville - Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances.
Georgia College & State University is dedicated to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct . For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu.
Job Summary
The Groundskeeper II position operates a range of equipment from mowers to weed eaters and performs maintenance and landscaping duties requiring both technical equipment and manual labor. This role requires more extensive knowledge and experience than the entry-level Groundskeeper I position.
Responsibilities
Operating Equipment - 20
- Operates various motorized landscaping equipment (trucks, mowers, blowers, weed eaters, edgers, etc.)
- Ensures safe and efficient use of all equipment
Basic Maintenance and Advance Maintenance - 20
- Performs routine landscape work (digging, planting, mulching, weeding)
- Handles basic grounds upkeep and debris removal
- Conducts specialized plant care and pruning
- Applies chemicals and operates advanced equipment like sprayers
- Works more autonomously
Maintenance - Complex Tasks - 20
- More complex labor tasks associated with specific plants or turf
- Ability to handle proper styles of pruning, chain sawing trees, identifying plants, irrigation repairs, chemical knowledge, as well as sprayer and calibration knowledge and use
- How to use Z- spray Z- plug, and other equipment for spraying
Communication and Accountability - 20
- Accountability for following the written and verbal GCSU rules and regulations, as well as assignments
- Receives daily/weekly instructions verbally and written or by text or email
- Maintains required written logs & records
- Uses basic computer systems for training and is assisted in learning the essentials of computer timecards, leave, and accessing trainings
Safety and Compliance - 10
- Follows safety protocols for equipment, chemicals, and tasks
- Maintains awareness of hazards and safety requirements
- Ensures safe operations around campus community
Other - 10
- All other duties as requested or required
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Other Required Qualifications
Valid Driver's license (Georgia)
Required Experience
Stable work history
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience
- Preferred prior grounds maintenance experience or similar such as farming, landscaping, golf course or similar and outdoor physical labor positions.
- Preferred experience with grounds equipment: - ex: Zero-Turn mowers, weed eating, edging, blowing.
Proposed Salary
This position is a pay grade 4. The available salary minimum starts at $26,777.00 or $12.87/ hour to $38,816.00 or $18.66/ hour. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience.
For more information about GCSU compensation practices, click here: https://www.gcsu.edu/humanresources/pay-grade-structure.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
- Can do physical work requiring coordination and balance
- Can identify plants and learn landscape techniques
- Can lift regularly 15 lbs, occasionally 40 lbs
- Works outdoors in all weather conditions
- Works well both independently and in teams
- Acts professionally and respectfully with multifaceted personnel and environment
- Follows GCSU standards, policies, rules and regulations
KNOWLEDGE
- Safe operation of basic grounds equipment
- Proper communication and cooperation
- Read and write (work orders and safety documents)
- Basic math and computer skills (email, timecards, training)
- Knows and adheres to the GCSU rules and regulations
SKILLS
- Operates equipment safely and effectively
- Maintains awareness while multitasking
- Uses proper body mechanics for physical tasks
- Has strength to lift/move required weights
- Coordinates well when using equipment around constituents
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
Background Check

• Criminal Background Check
• DMV Check
• Drug Screening