September 4, 2024

Purdue University

Valparaiso

FULL TIME

Grounds and Facilities Worker

Job Description

Req Id: 33777

Job Title: Grounds and Facilities Worker

City: Valparaiso

Job Description:

Overview of Grounds and Facilities Worker

The Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest located in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a full-time grounds and facilities worker to perform a variety of maintenance duties. Our Gabis Arboretum boasts 300 acres of magnificent landscapes featuring a restored prairie, display gardens, wetlands and miles of hiking trails through woodlands. With musical events and public educational programs, the arboretum has something for any interest! Our grounds and facilities team is responsible for the appearance of hiking trails, ponds, forests, turf, gardens hardscapes and facilities. In addition, the team supports the set-up and break-down of various events such as weddings and education programs.

Click here to find out more information about our Gabis Arboretum

Pay: up to $18/hour

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday day shift. Must be flexible to work other days as needed due to business needs.

Duties and Responsibilities of Grounds and Facilities Worker

Perform custodial activities such as but are not limited to: Mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, stripping, and buffing floors. Disinfecting toilets and sinks. Cleaning walls and washing windows. Areas include but are not limited to: Stairwells, hallways, offices, conference rooms, restrooms. Replenish restroom supplies. Safely use cleaning chemicals, load and chemical dispensers, deliver supplies to areas as needed.
Perform cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
Operate and maintain power and non-power equipment including mops, shovels, brooms, pressure washers, scrubbers, power floor sweepers, shampoos, vacuums.
Perform event set-up and break down of facility rentals and arboretum events.
Work with arboretum Events Coordinator for any special needs during the event.
Maintain trails, roads, paths, turf and other outdoor areas of the property.
Maintain mowers, golf cart, small equipment, vehicles, uses hand tools, power tools.
Mow lawns, trims and edges around walkways, flower beds, and walls.
Prune shrubs and trees to shape
Repairs trails, paths and fencing.
Spray lawns, trails, roads, shrubs, and trees with fertilizer and herbicides.
Rake and bag or burn leaves.
Clean grounds and remove litter.
Plant grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Water lawn and shrubs
Perform snow removal

Benefits of Grounds and Facilities Worker

Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
Ten paid vacation days first year of employment
Ten paid holidays
University paid and matching contribution to retirement
University contribution to Health Savings Account –
- Plus, a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
Employee Wellness Programs
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

Education of Grounds and Facilities Worker

High school diploma/GED

Experience of Grounds and Facilities Worker

Two years’ experience working on a grounds or facilities maintenance crew.
Previous custodial/janitorial experience and/or with irrigation and electrical systems is preferred.
Experience operating a variety of lawn care equipment.
Experience in facility maintenance operations.
Mechanically inclined preferred

Core Competencies of Grounds and Facilities Worker

Must have the ability to operate equipment and tools used in daily work.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
May have to use personal vehicle to drive on behalf of the University
Must meet the Minimum Driver Qualifications as defined by the Use of Vehicles for University Business Policy
Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimum supervision.
Ability to work a Tuesday-Saturday schedule and flexibility for other days required.
Schedule may change seasonally.

Preferred:

Knowledge of tree, plant, and weed identification.
Knowledge of lawn care equipment and practices.
Mechanically inclined- ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on vehicles such as golf carts, mowers, small equipment, etc.

Additional Information

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Posting Start Date: 9/4/24