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Groundskeeper or Groundskeeper, Sr.


Job Location:

Troy, MI - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 19 - 22
Posted: 29 September 2026 (15 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Summary:

The Groundskeeper performs grounds and landscape duties snow removal and equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds and athletic fields and support all campus wide events.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity science and technology together to address societys greatest cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry disciplined practice and hands-on application. Our strategic plan RPI Forward charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI.Explore the RPI Forward plan.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY RPI is home tofive schools 32 research centers three makerspaces an observatory one of the worlds fastest supercomputers and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program tuition remission and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

All candidates must have a

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • One (1) year of experience in landscape maintenance including operation of grounds related equipment
  • Valid US drivers license

As a Sr. Groundskeeper candidates must also have

  • Three (3) year experience in landscape maintenance including operation of grounds related equipment

Relevant combinations of education training and experience will be considered.

Minimum Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to operate hand power equipment and grounds related maintenance equipment
  • Ability to read write and perform simple arithmetic
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings nights weekends and holidays

Representative Job Duties:

  • Perform all tasks necessary for routine maintenance of athletic fields and campus landscapes/projects in accordance with Rensselaers seasonal grounds maintenance program. Monitor campus grounds for trash/debris and empty/clean external trash areas.
  • Perform proper planting techniques for trees shrubs groundcovers bulbs perennials and annuals. Perform proper bed maintenance techniques such as weeding edging mulching plant removal/replacement seasonal cleanup pruning and dead-heading.
  • Inspect maintain and operate grounds and field related power equipment at proper working and safety standards. Clean equipment daily or at the end of each use. Report and document any needed repairs of equipment.
  • Provide support for campus functions and events including event preparation setup and breakdown litter control and site restoration. Provide support for athletic field operations and campus moves as required.
  • Maintain water requirements for plant material and turf areas. Utilize manual irrigation when conditions warrant.
  • Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus. Operate maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institutes standards.
  • Comply with standing instructions provided by operating manuals safety rules and regulations for personal protection and safety and the safety of others. Report instances of vandalism/theft of Institute property immediately to Supervisor or Public Safety. Maintain work and storage areas in a clean organized and safe condition.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift:

Business hours with occasional early mornings evenings weekends holidays and emergency response hours required based on operational needs seasonal activities campus events and weather-related conditions. This position may require flexibility during peak grounds maintenance periods and snow removal operations.

Travel:

Local travel between Rensselaer campus locations and athletic facilities is required. Travel is limited to Institute-owned properties and nearby campus areas as needed to perform grounds maintenance event support athletic field preparation and snow removal activities.

Driving:

Requires operation of Rensselaer vehicles and grounds maintenance equipment for non-passenger use. A valid U.S. drivers license is required. Employees may operate campus vehicles utility carts trailers and grounds-related equipment in support of daily operations campus events and emergency response activities. Must maintain a safe driving record in accordance with Institute policies.

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range:

  • Groundskeeper: $18.00 An additional $0.20 per hour will be paid for each year of documented and related experience as approved by the hiring team up to $19.50 per hour
  • Sr. Groundskeeper: $19.50 - $22.50 per hour

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidates salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget internal equity and the final candidates qualifications experience education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaers good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process please contact

Job Posted Date:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaers Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth a comprehensive and affordable benefits package and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information please visitBenefits Human Resources ().

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming inclusive and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institutes work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Instituteis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation or gender identity national origin disability status protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university. Founded in 1824, our university has been leading scientific and technological advances for nearly 200 years and we’re just getting started. With 450+ dedicated full-time faculty members, including 2 ... View more

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