Groundskeeper (SJU)

The Grounds Department at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Groundskeeper.

The Groundkeeper position is responsible for the care and maintenance of all campus and monastic lawns, hedges, and trees, as well as all other duties associated with providing a well-maintained appearance to the campus and monastic grounds. The Groundskeeper is also responsible for routine maintenance and repair of all department tools and equipment. In addition, this person will assist in the supervision of student employees.

This position is designated as essential staff and participates in snow and ice removal from roads, sidewalks, paths, and other areas. This position responds to emergency situations outside of normal working hours.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

• Mowing, trimming, and raking of lawns.
• Assist with proper planting, pruning, trimming, and general care of trees on inner campus.
• Assist with snow and ice removal to ensure safety of sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots, including hand shoveling. Assists with snow removal from roofs and sets barricades and signage to protect areas from falling snow and ice as requested.
• Repair and maintenance of all departmental tools and equipment.
• Maintenance and marking of athletic fields.
• Installation and repair of pavers.
• Assist in supervising grounds student employees as they perform daily duties.
• Help train student employees in the proper and safe operation and preventive maintenance of equipment and power tools.
• Setting of cemetery headstone and closing of graves.
• Campus refuse pick up and removal (secondary job function).
• Perform other duties as assigned to help with the daily operation of the Grounds department.

• High school diploma or general education degree required; a two-year technical college degree in Horticulture, Landscape, or Grounds Maintenance preferred.
• One or more years of experience in nursery/greenhouse operations, grounds maintenance, or landscape construction preferred.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and repair; formal training in mechanical or small engine repairs preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards.
• Knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping, fertilizer and pesticide applications, and the cultivation of trees and woody plants, or a willingness to gain expertise in these areas.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to help supervise student employees and work efficiently with grounds staff, faculty, and members of the college and monastic communities.
• Current driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required and maintained.
• Availability during off-duty hours for campus snow removal, special events, and unexpected situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to safely operate various types of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e. chain saws, pole saws, mowers, leaf blowers, tractors, loaders, bobcats with different attachments, power equipment, trucks, snowplows, lifts, utility vehicles, field markers, ladders, and hand tools). Capable of using proper safety equipment (i.e. harnesses) while climbing trees, working on ladders, or while elevated by a lift.
• Regularly lifts or pushes objects up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of objects up to 80 pounds.
• Works outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and cold. 
• Holds or has the ability to obtain a DOT health card.
• Ability to perform physical tasks for extended periods, including lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, and reaching, squatting, standing, etc. as required.
• Ability to work with and or around hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
• Performs physical tasks for extended periods, including lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, reaching, squatting, and standing.
• Works safely with and around hazardous chemicals.
• Performs duties both indoors and outdoors, on uneven terrain, and over long distances, lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.