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Grounds Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Buildings & Grounds

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Great working schedule of Monday-Friday 7-4pm or 8-5pm and on-call as needed! Buildings & Grounds Responsibilities * Operate forklift, blowers, scrubbers, pressure washers and other tools and ...

Grounds Person

Rowan, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

You will have elite-level experience maintaining outstanding playing surfaces, working within an in-house grounds team, managing seasonal or matchday contractors, and presenting professional training ...

Grounds Maintenance Laborer

Adair, IA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Grounds Maintenance Laborer Department: Facilities Maintenance & Operations Job Summary: The ... Prolonged period of standing, bending, reaching, and working with hands * Occasional periods of ...

SCE - Grounds Maintenance

Sioux Center, IA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Grounds Maintenance I Department: Location: Reports To: Job Type: Job Summary The Grounds ... Conduct regular checks of facilities and building systems to ensure they are in good working order.

Ensure community grounds are appropriately manicured. Regularly treat for weeds, rake leaves, plant ... Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, appliance repairs, HVAC, and carpentry. * May need to ...

GroundsKeeper

Mason City, IA ยท On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Reports to: Environmental Services/ Grounds Manager B. Supervises: N/A C. Key Working Relationships: Manager, Hospital Staff, Vendors and Contractors D. Primary Customer Groups: All Hospital ...

GroundsKeeper

Mason City, IA ยท On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Reports to: Environmental Services/ Grounds Manager B. Supervises: N/A C. Key Working Relationships: Manager, Hospital Staff, Vendors and Contractors D. Primary Customer Groups: All Hospital ...

GroundsKeeper

Mason City, IA

$15 - $19/hr

Reports to: Environmental Services/ Grounds Manager B. Supervises: N/A C. Key Working Relationships: Manager, Hospital Staff, Vendors and Contractors D. Primary Customer Groups: All Hospital ...

We're seeking a skilled and reliable maintenance worker to provide support for our facility, grounds, and other properties. This role is essential in maintaining our facilities and ensuring a safe ...

This requires being on-call & working varied hours as needed to keep the campus grounds maintained. * Assure the grounds and walkways are well-groomed and free of trash, debris, and hazards.

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Grounds Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do grounds worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for grounds worker in Iowa is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grounds worker?

A grounds worker provides outdoor maintenance to keep the grounds healthy and pleasing in parks and around homes and businesses. As a grounds worker, your job duties include mowing, edging, and fertilizing lawns; trimming shrubs, hedges, and trees; removing weeds and dead or damaged plants; and planting and watering trees, shrubs, and flowers. You must enjoy working in an outdoor environment in all types of weather. There are no formal qualifications for a career as a grounds worker aside from the ability to do physical labor. On-the-job training provides you with experience and the skills you need to do your job well.

What does a grounds worker do?

Grounds workers are responsible for maintaining the outdoor areas of properties such as parks, schools, commercial buildings, or residential complexes. Their duties typically include mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, planting flowers, removing weeds, and ensuring that outdoor spaces are clean, safe, and visually appealing. They may also handle minor landscaping projects, operate maintenance equipment, and perform seasonal tasks like snow removal or leaf collection. Grounds workers play a crucial role in preserving the beauty and functionality of outdoor environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grounds worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grounds Worker, you need practical knowledge of landscaping, grounds maintenance techniques, and safe equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and irrigation systems is typically required, and some employers may prefer certification in pesticide application. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure that outdoor spaces are well-maintained, safe, and visually appealing, contributing to the overall function and image of the property.

What are some common challenges grounds workers face during seasonal changes, and how do they adapt?

Grounds Workers often encounter unique challenges as seasons change, such as increased debris in the fall, snow and ice in the winter, and rapid plant growth in the spring and summer. Adapting to these changes requires flexibility in daily tasks, such as shifting from mowing and planting to snow removal or leaf collection. Many teams adjust their schedules and use specialized equipment to efficiently manage changing conditions, ensuring that outdoor spaces remain safe and attractive year-round.

What is the difference between Grounds Worker vs Landscape Technician?

AspectGrounds WorkerLandscape Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in equipment operationHigh school diploma; certifications in landscape design or horticulture often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings such as parks, campuses, and commercial propertiesOutdoor environments focusing on landscape installation and maintenance
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, schools, commercial propertiesLandscape companies, nurseries, garden centers
Job FocusGeneral grounds maintenance, mowing, trimmingDesign, planting, and detailed landscape work

While both Grounds Workers and Landscape Technicians work outdoors maintaining and beautifying properties, Grounds Workers typically focus on general maintenance tasks like mowing and trimming. Landscape Technicians often handle more specialized landscape installation and design work, sometimes requiring additional certifications. Both roles are essential in outdoor property care, but their scope and responsibilities differ slightly based on skill level and focus area.

Is groundskeeping a hard job?

Groundskeeping is physically demanding and often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions. It requires skills such as operating landscaping tools, physical stamina, and attention to safety protocols, making it a job that can be challenging for some individuals.

What are popular job titles related to Grounds Worker jobs in IA?

For Grounds Worker jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grounds Worker job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,636 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Building/Grounds Worker - GGP Support Center

Sioux City, IA โ€ข On-site

Goodwill of the Great Plains
Non-Profitsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$21.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Building and Grounds Worker to ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for the public, staff, and the persons we serve. 

Position Type: Full-Time

Hours: Monday - Friday 7am-3pm

(Hours require some flexibility depending on needs and special events) 

Wages: $21.26 hourly

In accordance with the Goodwill of the Great Plains mission, we are committed to providing a competitive total compensation package, including salary and benefits, that will attract, retain, and reward high performing employees who share a passion for transforming lives through the dignity of work. Goodwill of the Great Plains strives to make employee compensation performance-based, competitive to organizations with similar missions, and commensurate for the individual’s level of responsibility.

Responsibilities:


  • Perform all cleaning services, empty trash, clean windows, floors, tables, countertops, and restrooms. 
  • Perform routine maintenance on vacuums and floor cleaning machines. Assist with repair functions pertaining to buildings, grounds, and equipment.
  • Perform seasonal janitorial tasks and projects such as lawn-mowing, yard work, and snow removal duties as needed.
  • Work under direction and guidance of Building and Grounds supervisory staff.
  • Troubleshoot ideas and offer input for various building and grounds projects.

Qualifications:

  • High school graduate, GED, and/or graduate of vocational/technical school. Previous custodial experience preferred 
  • Requires some cleaning knowledge and the ability to read and understand product labels.
  • Acceptable criminal and dependent adult/child abuse background checks.

While the benefits are great, Goodwill’s mission is really at the heart of all we do. When you join the Goodwill team you are not just joining the company, you are becoming part of our family. You could be eligible for a Personal Day, Birthday Day Off, and 6 Paid Holidays upon hire. With eligibility for Health Dental, and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment. See more benefit details on the careers tab at www.goodwillgreatplains.org. Apply today to become a part of something great!

Goodwill of the Great Plains provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.