Groundskeeper I

Groundskeeper I Job Group: Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: One year of experience in operating the machinery and tools used in groundskeeping work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals one year. Preferred Qualifications: - Commercial certification tests (30T-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides.
- Certification or formal training in turf management, irrigation, or horticulture.
- Experience in public gardens, parks, golf courses, or similar environments.
- Experience with event preparation and grounds maintenance. Job Description:

Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University is seeking a motivated and reliable Groundskeeper I to join our horticulture team. This position plays a key role in maintaining over 7 acres of various lawn areas, including formal event spaces, native and low-mow turf alternatives, and garden buffer zones. The ideal candidate will have experience in grounds maintenance , irrigation and turf care, preferably in settings such as public gardens, golf courses, or parks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain turf areas through mowing, trimming, aerating, top dressing, and monitoring for pests and water needs.

• Restore turf following damage from animals, equipment, or major garden events.

• Operate equipment such as garden tractors with attachments, push mowers, trimmers, and blowers.

• Support horticulture team during seasonal projects such as planting, pruning, mulching, and cleanup.

• Perform basic garden bed maintenance (weeding, mulching shrub and tree areas).

• Monitor plant health and hardscape conditions, reporting or addressing issues as needed.

• Lead garden irrigation system start-up, shutdown, repairs, and efficiency adjustments.

• Conduct seasonal groundskeeping such as debris removal, drain clearing, and snow removal.

• Maintain garden water features and assist with basic equipment upkeep.

• Participate in on-call snow removal rotation approximately one week per month (OctoberApril).

• Lead and support seasonal staff and volunteers in garden maintenance tasks and turf care techniques.

• Lead and support major annual event setup and teardown, especially monitoring and organizing inventory to/from storage.

• Participate in evening work to support major annual events like Spirits in the Garden and Winter Wonderscape , approximately one weekend in October and one weekend in December.

• Provide friendly and helpful customer service to visitors.

About the Department:

Reiman Gardens is a public botanical garden located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa. Our mission is to educate, enchant, and inspire an appreciation of plants, insects, and the beauty of the natural world, with a vision of becoming a premier university botanical garden. The Groundskeeper I position is essential to preserving the beauty and functionality of our outdoor spaces, helping to ensure a memorable and inspiring experience for all who visit.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Operates garden equipment with attachments such as mowers, material handling bucket and forks and snow plows to landscape and maintain grounds including lawn areas, sidewalks, parking lots and streets.

Maintains attachments and makes minor emergency repairs.

Operates and maintains power and hand equipment, such as backpack blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, tillers, drills, drivers, and saws.

Assists in the cultivation and care of shrubs, trees and flowers as directed.

Operates trucks and other transportation equipment as required .

Responds to calls for emergency service , including snow removal and irrigation repairs , as required .

Installs winter lights, such as string lights and spotlights, for winter event.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and specifications.

Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment and hand/power tools.

Ability to apply various groundskeeping techniques to different work situations.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Ability to crouch, carry, balance, bend, reach, grasp, and perform fine motor tasks.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 5731a Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call ... or Toll Free: ....

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: July 23, 2025 Posting Close Date: August 6, 2025 Job Requisition Number: R17455