Grounds Lead Worker

Title: Grounds Lead Worker

VP Area: Administration & Finance - UMW

Department: Grounds

Campus Location: Main Campus

Advertised Range: $33,828 - $41,053

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The University of Mary Washington's Facilities Department is seeking a Grounds Lead Worker. Known for its exceptional urban canopy and landscape, UMW Lead Groundskeepers will lead and perform general landscape and grounds maintenance duties on the UMW Campuses and other university holdings. This position will be a working crew member, coordinating with supervisors daily for projects and tasks. You will maintain designated campus turf and landscape areas, strive for a safe workplace and ensure that assigned equipment is safely and efficiently used and maintained.

Functioning independently or with a crew, Lead Groundskeepers:

• utilize gas-powered or battery-powered equipment, trim, blow, clean up and transport leaves, tree limbs, mulch, debris, etc.
  
• address frequent service calls and emergencies such a spill, animal issues or asphalt patching.
  
• while working, monitor the campus daily, promptly reporting unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment or facilities to management.
  
• safely operate Z-turn mowers, tractors and other equipment: hand and self-propelled machines and tools including string trimmers, walk-behind mowers, blowers, snow blowers, plows, sanders, digging bars, rakes and shovels to achieve required sustainable landscape standards.
  
• support litter and recycling collection during the week and special events.
  
• understand and demonstrate safe operation, storage and basic maintenance of vehicles, tools and equipment.
  
• wear appropriate PPE as required by task or department policy.
  

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

This position has been deemed essential as defined in Policy No. 1.04 of the Department of Personnel and Training Policies and Procedures Manual. This position is designated to report to UMW during emergencies or when the University closes during uncertain weather conditions.

Required KSAs/Competencies/Qualifications

• Working knowledge of species of turf, woody and herbaceous plant material or strong desire to learn.
  
• Ability to follow and perform extensive and complex oral and written instructions in English.
  
• Understanding and use of basic office/computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet).
  
• Proven ability to coordinate with other crew members or act independently and make safe, informed decisions.
  

Required Experience:

• Measurable experience in residential, commercial, municipal, park, turf or similar groundskeeping experience.
• Measurable experience in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of commercial power grounds maintenance equipment.

Additional Considerations:

KSAs:

• Measurable basic knowledge of and experience with identification of ornamental pests and disruptions to healthy growth.
• Knowledge and experience with horticultural pesticide application or ability to become certified within one year of employment.
  

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or equivalent
  

Experience:

• Experience with horticultural pesticide application.
• Experience with i.d. of turf and ornamental pests and diseases and other disruptions to healthy growth.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• VDACS Pesticide Applicators certificate and respirator certification

Special Instructions

This position is open until filled. Priority first review of applications will be conducted on applications submitted by October 3, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. To be considered for this position a state application must be received through the online employment system at https://jobs.umw.edu/.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. For more information, please visit http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/.

The University of Mary Washington adheres to the principle of equal opportunity. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to the AA/EEO officer of the University. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.