Sonnentag Center - Groundskeeper

POSITION: A full-time university staff position is available in Grounds-Sonnentag Center beginning June 3^rd, 2024. The working title for this assignment is Groundskeeper with an official title of Groundskeeper.  This is an expected-to-continue assignment which requires a six-month probationary period.  The expected hourly hiring salary will be based on qualifications and experience at $16.00 - $17.00/hr.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A thorough knowledge of grounds maintenance and landscaping; adherence to rules and regulations of UW System, UWEC campus, and Centers USA work rules; ability to interpret and understand landscape management procedures, must be able to read, understand, and perform written work instructions (WI) and written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including, but not limited to understanding all chemical control (herbicides and pesticides), their intended application and use, high school diploma or equivalent required. Must be able to work in variety of weather conditions and lift, pull or push 40 to 75 pounds. Must have a valid driver's license. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• WI Chemical Pesticide Applicator's license. 
• Previous landscape maintenance knowledge including turf and landscape and experience in a high-profile environment using Grounds equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of turf management including but not limited to overseeding, weed control, irrigation systems.
• General tree and shrub pruning, care and maintenance.
• Fertilizing, gardening and general plant knowledge preferred. 
• Demonstrated commitment to support and enhance the diversity and cultural and global awareness of students, faculty, and staff

DUTIES: Landscape management of all planting, turf area, parking lot and sidewalks of Sonnentag Center Complex. Includes weeding landscape beds, mulch, prune trees and shrubs, pick litter, empty receptacles, mow and weed whack turf areas as needed, maintain clear and clean sidewalks, entrances, and patio areas, replace damaged or dead landscape planting materials, maintain, and operate all irrigation systems including minor repairs as necessary. Job requires candidate to perform all landscape maintenance tasks in a timely manner to best address needs of space while working in variety of weather conditions, work independently and within a team setting, perform overhead work including climbing ladders, identify landscape disease, pests and address with appropriate control methods. Job also includes operating all grounds equipment in a safe and appropriate manner and working with mechanic on addressing routine and mechanical repairs on grounds equipment as necessary. Candidate must work with Custodial staff for occasional cleaning and custodial projects, effectively communicate using a hand-held radio, receive and provide feedback in a positive constructive, collaborative manner.

• Effectively perform and meet grounds maintenance expectations in assigned areas as defined by the SOPs, WI, Blugold standards, customer feedback, team member feedback, supervisor/team leader feedback, and operational instructions.
• Maintain all equipment in a clean and working order and exterior grounds supplies in an appropriate manner.
• Work collaboratively and responsively with Centers USA staff.
• Act as a safety champion by ensuring all activities performed at the CMC are done in accordance with Campus policies, safety practices including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and SOPs.
• Maintain all exterior planting beds, turf areas, irrigation systems, hardscape spaces including patios, parking lots and sidewalks, trash and recycling containers and other exterior landscape fixtures.
• Identify and address any landscape pests, diseases or similar with appropriate corrective measures based on APPA Grounds Maintenance standards and by following all appropriate legal applications.
• Repair and update any damaged, graffitied or vandalized exterior fixtures including reporting to Campus Police and Centers USA staff as needed.
• Adjust schedule as needed to properly address snow removal concerns around Facilities for walks, entrances and exits. Work with contractors to identify snow removal procedures and locations for snow piles. Work with UWEC Campus Grounds to arrange snow hauling as needed.
• Work with Centers USA staff to identify priorities of grounds and custodial work or projects and work with custodial staff on a per-need basis.

UNIVERSITY and EAU CLAIRECOMMUNITY: UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 11,500 students and 1,400 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/.

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following UW-Eau Claire Web site: https://www.uwec.edu/job-postings/.  You must create an account and login before you can apply.  If you have not yet registered, click on the "Click here to Register" link to begin the registration process. If you are already a registered user, input your "User Name" and "Password" and select "Login."  Click the link to the Groundskeeper Sonnentag Center position (Job ID # 20655) and then click the "Apply Now" button to submit your application electronically.  Your application will not be considered complete until all required documents are attached and all required fields are completed.  Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format:

• Letter of application
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three references

Please direct requests for additional information to: Centers USA Operations Director

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by March 31, 2024. However, screening may continue until position is filled. The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the   University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime.  Visit Campus Security and Fire Report  (https://www.uwec.edu/files/8/annual-security-report.pdf) .  Also visit our Campus Security Authority policy (https://www.uwec.edu/files/787/CleryCompliancePolicy.pdf).

The University reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority(CSA) policy.

UW-Eau Claire is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disability employer.