Groundskeeper

 

Working Title:

Groundskeeper - Groundskeeper

 

Institution:

Southwest Minnesota State University

Groundskeeper

 

Bargaining Unit / Union:

203: AFSCME - Service

 

City:

Marshall

 

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

 

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

 

Employment Condition:

Classified - Unlimited

 

Salary Range:

$20.51 - $29.22

 

Job Description

Under immediate supervision, perform lawn, garden, and/or road maintenance services. To provide care and maintenance to improve the aesthetics of the University campus. To maintain athletic fields in safe playing condition for practices and games. To rearrange or otherwise accommodate requests that will assist in functions on the ground's areas. To maintain or seek assistance in providing a safe and secure environment. To make minor repairs and report major repairs, vandalism, or damage to supervisor.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to plant, weed, trim, water, and fertilize all indoor and outdoor plants sufficient to perform lawn, garden, and / or road maintenance for a state facility.

• Knowledge of horticulture techniques and practices (planting schedules, germination intervals, and transplantation procedures) sufficient to maintain and improve facility grounds/landscape and recognize and/or treat plant diseases and pests.

• Ability to use and perform simple repairs on hand-held tools, riding machinery (all types of lawn and landscape equipment), and snow removal equipment (hand and heavier equipment).

• Basic knowledge of chemical fertilizer application.

• Ability to move items from 40 to 80 lbs.

• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

• Ability to work at various heights on scaffolds, ladders and move is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• The ability to follow oral and written directions with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

• Ability to keep organized and legible written records.

• A degree or certificate in horticulture or a related field along with practical experience is preferred.

• Knowledge on installation, repair and operation of irrigation systems.

• Advanced mechanical knowledge regarding repairs of typical grounds equipment.

 

Other Requirements

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MinnState’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

 

Priority will be given to those who apply by 5/21/2026.

 

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Tuesday - Saturday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

Telework (Yes/No)

No

 

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

 

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

 

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

 

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html.

 

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

 

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

 

Desired Start Date:

06-01-2026

 

Position End Date:

 

Open Date:

04-29-2026

 

Close Date:

06-01-2026

 

Posting Contact Name:

Bailey Johnson

 

Posting Contact Email:

bailey.johnson.2@smsu.edu