Ohio State University

Groundskeeper 2 (Newark)

Newark Campus Full time

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Job Title:

Groundskeeper 2 (Newark)

Department:

COTC

The Groundskeeper 2 performs a wide range of landscape and grounds maintenance duties to maintain safe, attractive, and functional campus grounds. This position supports year-round operations, including seasonal clean-up, snow and ice removal, equipment maintenance, and event setup. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve emergency response as operational needs require.

Work Schedule and Conditions

  • Standard work hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Schedule is subject to change in hours, shift, days, or location based on operational needs

  • Subject to 24-hour emergency call

  • May be exposed to unpleasant odors and outdoor environmental conditions

  • Successful completion of a criminal background check is required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grounds and Landscape Maintenance

  • Perform routine landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, sodding, fertilizing, planting, and weed control

  • Maintain flower beds by removing weeds, dead plants, and shrubs; plant new flowers, shrubs, and trees as needed

  • Complete seasonal tasks such as fall clean-up of landscaped areas

  • Conduct daily trash pickup and inspect campus trash receptacles

Equipment and Vehicle Operation

  • Operate motor vehicles, tractors, mowers, edgers, weed trimmers, snow removal equipment, and other powered and hand tools

  • Operate specialized equipment including chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, hedge trimmers, pesticide and herbicide application equipment, forklifts, man lifts, and other lifts

  • Safely operate John Deere 5400 tractor with 17-foot batwing mower and Gosen leaf vacuum

  • Drive pickups, dump trucks, utility vehicles (gators), golf carts, and other campus vehicles

Snow and Ice Removal

  • Assist with snow and ice removal operations during winter conditions

  • Participate in plowing and snow response activities as needed

Equipment Maintenance and Inventory

  • Perform weekly equipment inspections and safety checks

  • Clean, maintain, and complete minor repairs on landscape and grounds equipment

  • Maintain inventory of equipment parts and supplies and order parts as needed

  • Complete assigned work orders accurately and timely

Event and Facilities Support

  • Set up and tear down equipment and furniture for campus events, including commencements and seasonal events

  • Assist with large-scale events such as the July 3rd concert, including setup and post-event cleanup

  • Remove and relocate furniture and equipment from offices and other campus areas

  • Install and repair patio furniture

  • Assemble fixtures and furnishings such as shelving units and carts

Supervision and Team Support

  • Assist with oversight and task coordination of student workers

  • Support maintenance staff with additional duties as requested, including light construction, equipment installation, and facility modifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education and experience as required per Classified Civil Service Specifications or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Valid Driver’s License required

  • Must obtain and maintain an Ohio Pesticide Operator’s License (Category 6a) within 180 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience and/or training in grounds maintenance and landscaping

Certifications and Specialized Training

Ohio Pesticide Operator Licenses:

  • ​Aquatic

  • Industrial Vegetation

  • Ornamental Weed Control

  • Turf Control

  • Forklift certification

  • Man lift and aerial lift operation certification

  • Welding coursework completed at C-TEC

  • Attendance at ODOT plowing conference

Additional Information:

The Ohio State University at Newark offered its first classes in 1957 with a mission to provide affordable, open access to Ohio State for all Ohioans. The Newark campus sits on 188 acres and shares the campus with Central Ohio Technical College.

The two institutions have a strong partnership whereby they share all buildings and general-purpose classrooms, approximately 100 staff, operating expenses, and a number of capital equipment investments. Shared departments include Advancement; Business and Finance; Facilities, Planning and Operations; Library; Marketing and Public Relations; Purchasing and Auxiliary Services; Student Financial Services; and Student Life. 

Ohio State Newark currently enrolls more than 2,200 students who are taught and mentored by 45 tenure-track faculty who are members of their university-level academic department. Students can complete eight bachelor’s degree programs at the Newark Campus and start any of Ohio State’s 200+ majors. In addition to excellent academic offerings, students can participate in the Honors program, service learning, education abroad, and a wide variety of student clubs and organizations.  

Ohio State Newark is situated near the Ohio State University Columbus campus, presenting great opportunities for new and innovative partnerships to benefit students, faculty, and staff. The future of the campus will be impacted by the significant growth and development in Licking County, including a new Intel facility, expansion of Meta and Google facilities, and more. Students are creating innovative pathways to their degree completion due to the proximity to multiple campuses. 

Location:

Facilities Operations Building (6012)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.