Assistant Groundskeeper

Company Description

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg's mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community. In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

The Assistant Groundskeeper is responsible for helping with grounds maintenance of the 24-acre University campus. General responsibilities include following direction from the groundskeeper in the landscaping of the campus, lawn maintenance, planting bed maintenance, shrub and tree maintenance, irrigation repair, maintenance and repair of grounds equipment and vehicles, and snow removal. The assistant groundskeeper will also be responsible for occasionally assisting with maintenance operator workload and work orders involving such duties as swapping out the trash and recycling receptacles of certain buildings per pick-up schedule each morning upon arrival, facilitating office moves, graffiti removal, as well as any and all other duties assigned by supervisor.

Primary Responsibilities

• Help maintain the general landscape of the campus under the direction of the groundskeeper
• Assist with maintenance of all lawn areas: mowing, weed whipping, tree and shrub pruning, irrigation system repair, and maintenance
• Help perform spring planting, mulching, watering, and weeding of the flower beds throughout the growing season
• Help clean off sidewalks, and pick up trash throughout campus
• Participate in all snow removal efforts from university-owned streets, sidewalks, pathways, entryways, parking lots, and general access areas of the campus. Snow removal may occur outside of normal business hours and on weekends and holidays, and the assistant groundskeeper will be expected to be available to respond and work these hours alongside the other members of the snow removal team under the direction of both the lead groundskeeper and the maintenance supervisor
• Swapping out trash and recycling receptacles from each building daily

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to the maintenance and repair of grounds equipment and vehicles
• Help lead student grounds workers with duties and projects
• Facilitate office moves around campus
• Periodic work order assignments
• All other duties assigned by your supervisor(s)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED and one year of related experience.
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License.
• Experience with, or ability to learn and become proficient in the use of landscaping, grounds and snow removal equipment and vehicles such as a bobcat, skid steer, commercial mower, weed whip, backpack blowers, edger, etc.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to be attentive to details, be accurate, be precise.
• Ability to work in a team environment; work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to show initiative; reason/analyze; maintain confidentiality and demonstrate patience, understanding.
• Ability to multi-task and handle frequent interruptions.
• Ability to take direction on tasks and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• General knowledge of small engine repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge/experience with irrigation systems repair and maintenance

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Frequent seeing, standing, talking, walking
• Occasional carrying of up to 80 pounds
• Occasional driving, hearing, lifting, pulling, reaching, repetitive motions
• Occasional stooping, sitting, kneeling, smelling
• Infrequent balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching
• Infrequent feeling, fingering, grasping
• Exposure to temperature extremes: snow removal

Additional Information

All applicants must attach the following for consideration:

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Benefits at Augsburg

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Augsburg's Statement regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

For the safety of our students, employees and the community in which we live and work, Augsburg requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical reasons, Augsburg offers exemptions and accommodations.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: or email:

Augsburg College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome job applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, family care status, veteran status, marital status, or any other lawfully protected status. Minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact Augsburg College's Human Resources.

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