Initial Posting Date:
01/02/2026Application Deadline:
01/19/2026Agency:
Department of Administrative ServicesSalary Range:
$3,705 - $5,066Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Groundskeeper (Grounds Maintenance Worker 2)Job Description:
Groundskeeper (Grounds Maintenance Worker 2)
Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Salem, Oregon
Monthly Salary: $3,705-$5,066 (Note - Effective February 1, 2026, salary rates increase by 2.5% due to COLA.)
Schedule (subject to change): Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
Join the Oregon Department of Administrative Services as a Groundskeeper and put your hands-on skills to work maintaining Oregon’s state buildings in the Salem area. This is physical, outdoor work for someone who takes pride in a job done right and enjoys working with equipment and tools.
You’ll help keep state facilities safe, clean, and looking their best—mowing, maintaining grounds, and handling routine equipment upkeep—while working a steady schedule. This role is great for someone who values teamwork, safety, and craftsmanship, and is looking for job stability, strong benefits, and a career in public service.
Some of what you'll do:
Provide lead role in performing routine service and minor repairs (to include engine tune-ups, part replacement, lubrication, inspect for safety precautions, and preventative maintenance) on maintenance equipment.
Mow and define lawn edges.
Eradication of weeds, both mechanically and manually.
Inspect grounds to determine landscaping needs and evaluate quality of work being done for recommendation of landscape strategy and job priority.
Daily safety and litter inspections of ground, including removal of all trash from grounds and containers.
View the entire job description here.
Working Conditions
Employee will be exposed to all weather conditions throughout the year and be expected to perform basically moderate to heavy physical movements following the department's inclement weather program, using hand tools, power brooms, snow blowers, sanders, and chemical de-ices.
The standard methods/tools used include push and riding mowers, tractor power edger, line trimmers, sod cutters, topdresser, maintenance and landscape hand tools, blowers, turf vacuum, utility vehicles, 1&1/2 ton dump truck with drop box system, utility vehicle operated fertilizer spreaders, and non-restricted pesticides.
What We Are Looking For
Minimum Qualifications:
An associated degree in landscape technology, horticulture, turf management or closely related field AND eighteen (18) months of landscape experience AND the ability to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator license within six (6) months of hire. The required certification(s) will be outlined in the recruitment
OR
Three (3) years of landscape experience AND the ability to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator license within six (6) months of hire. Your Public Pesticide Applicator license will need to include Herbicide & Insecticide/Fungicide. Terms will be discussed prior to hire.
Preference may be given to candidates with the following experience:
Small engine mechanics and repair
Certified Arborist
Welding/fabrication
Knowledge of hydraulics, electrical systems and operation of diagnostic tools
Desired Attributes:
The ability and/or knowledge to safely operate and maintain all types of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e., riding lawnmowers, tractors, 1-ton dump truck, weed eaters, blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, etc.).
The ability to do preventative maintenance such as oil changes, filters, belt adjustments, blade sharpening, lubrication schedules, etc.
Reading schematics and manuals.
Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural and grounds keeping practices and standards.
How to Apply
Ready to join our team?
External Applicants: Click “Apply” on the job posting to submit your application.
Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
Important Application Requirements:
Attach a current resume. Be sure your materials clearly show how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed in the posting. Make sure to list any applicable certifications that apply to this position.
Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. Applications submitted without a cover letter and resume may not be reviewed.
Why Us?
Our team strives to create an environment that is supportive and encourages work-life balance. This position offers the opportunity to put your creative, mechanical problem-solving skills to good use while assisting Oregon State agencies meet their missions.
Our amazing benefits include:
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.
Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.
Additional Details
Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.
This recruitment is for one, full-time, permanent, Groundskeeper (Classification: Grounds Maintenance Worker 2) position and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
*The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%.
Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check including fingerprints. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
We do not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Contact Information
Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or job-specific questions.
Please include the job requisition number: REQ-192798.
Recruiter: Cassie Graham
Email: cassie.graham@das.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly): 503-949-6169
Helpful Links & Resources
How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job
Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity
Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!
The Department of Administrative Services is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity. At the Department of Administrative Services, we embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.