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Position Summary
The Groundskeeper position is responsible for maintaining the outdoor grounds, gardens, and landscaping at Wiess President's House, a large residential property of Rice University. This role includes a variety of tasks related to landscaping, horticulture, and general property upkeep to ensure that the estate's outdoor areas remain aesthetically pleasing, safe, and well-maintained. Reports to the Manager of Wiess President's House.
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at the Wiess President's House. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.
This is a benefits-eligible position with a hiring range of $18.22 to $22.00 per hour, dependent on experience and qualifications. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
HS Diploma or equivalent
4 years of related experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or horticulture
Skills
Knowledge of plant care, landscaping techniques, and horticultural best practices
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aesthetics and safety
Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Knowledge of proper equipment use and maintenance
Preferences
Bachelor's Degree
Prior pest control experience
Irrigation Association certificate
Logical and technical reasoning skills
Proficient math skills
Knowledge of pest control chemicals
Ability to work both independently and/or as part of a team
Essential Functions
Plans and executes landscaping designs to enhance the beauty and functionality of the Wiess President's House. This includes planting, pruning, mulching, weed control, fertilization, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants
Lawn care, including mowing, edging, and irrigation system management
Removes debris from general areas, walkways and paths; operates and provides first-line maintenance on various heavy equipment and vehicles; provides equipment operations instruction
Ensures that outdoor areas are safe for residents and visitors and reports any safety hazards or security concerns to the House Manager
Ensures that the property's outdoor areas are safe for residents and visitors
Maintain records of plantings, maintenance schedules, and expenditures related to groundskeeping activities.
Coordinate with other estate staff, such as the House Manager, Housekeeper, and Maintenance personnel, to ensure smooth property operations
Implements grounds projects in support of campus facilities
Collaborates with supervisor to coordinate assignments and work schedules, observe and respond to areas of risk; may execute, respond to, interpret, and fulfill work orders; may communicate with customers, including senior-level administrators
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions
Implements an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the control of insects and other pests, plant diseases, and weed control according to university and department guidelines
Performs general grounds and heavy equipment maintenance activities within established guidelines in support of campus grounds operations
Minor décor installation for special occasions or holidays, as requested
Minor set-up and preparation for events hosted at the Wiess President's House
Seasonal tasks such as leaf and snow removal
Identifies and addresses pest infestations in the gardens and on the property and implements environmentally friendly pest control methods
Assists in moving and storage of furniture and equipment
Work Conditions
Work Environment: Primarily an outdoor work environment that includes exposure to temperature and weather extremes (heat, cold, rain, etc.).
Work Hazards: Exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, pollen, noise, and hazardous chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. Some work may occur at heightened elevations on ladders and scaffolding. Work with heavy equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, hedge trimmers, etc.
Work Schedule: May be required to work overtime 3-4 times each year. This position is considered essential during a campus emergency.
The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated, and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.
Physical Demands - MEDIUM-Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Requires walking or standing up to 8 hours per day and multi-limb coordination to operate heavy equipment and drive a vehicle. Other physical requirements of the job include the ability to bend/crouch/or kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance.
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
About Us
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.