Grounds Worker - Facilities & Services

Posting Category:

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at .

Application deadline: 3/2/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $28.05 per hour / 7.5 hour work day

Summary:

The Grounds Worker position reports to the Superintendent of Grounds. This position requires knowledge of grounds maintenance tools, machinery, and equipment, and consists of physical labor performed in all types of weather.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Install and care for trees, shrubs, flowers, and other landscape elements
• Turf installation and maintenance to include seeding, sodding, fertilization, spraying, mowing, etc.
• Perform work in the repair and maintenance of roads, parking lots, and walks
• Snow and ice removal on roads, parking areas, and walks
• Setups for outside events – i.e., tent set-up, barricade delivery, grill delivery, trash cans, etc.
• Collection and disposal of trash and debris
• Perform related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or combination totaling six (6) months from the categories below:
• Coursework or vocational training in horticulture, landscaping, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• Fifteen (15) semester hours equals six (6) months
• Work experience in grounds maintenance, landscape maintenance, nursery, agriculture work, grounds construction, and/or tending to lawns, turfs, trees, flowers, bushes or other shrubberies, ornamental plants, and other grounds-related work.
• Valid/current driver’s license as required by the State of Illinois for the type of motor vehicles(s) to be operated by the incumbent.

Preferred Qualifications:

Illinois Pesticide Operator License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance equipment, machinery and hand and power tools, including their designs, uses, maintenance, and repairs.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services, including meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• Ability to perform general physical activities required by the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Ability to manage one’s own time and to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Physical Demands:

• Standing : Frequently
• Walking : Frequently
• Sitting : Frequently
• Lifting : Occasionally
• Carrying : Occasionally
• Pushing : Occasionally
• Pulling : Occasionally
• Climbing : Occasionally
• Balancing : Occasionally
• Stooping : Occasionally
• Kneeling : Occasionally
• Crouching : Occasionally
• Crawling : Rarely
• Reaching : Occasionally
• Handling : Frequently
• Grasping : Frequently
• Repetitive Motions : Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Frequently
• Performing Manual Tasks : Constantly

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold : Frequently
• Extreme heat : Frequently
• Humid : Frequently
• Wet : Frequently
• Noise : Frequently
• Hazards : Frequently
• Temperature Change : Frequently
• Atmospheric Conditions : Frequently
• Vibration : Frequently

Union Affiliation:

This position classification is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Employment Policies and other information:

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [email protected] or call 217-206-6652.

• Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***