Position Title:

Groundskeeper II

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience operating the machinery and tools used in grounds work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years. • Must have successfully completed commercial certification tests (30T-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides and eligible to be certified. • May be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Grading, seeding, and sod experience
-Irrigation experience
-Knowledge of proper planting techniques and experience with trees, shrub and perennials
-Plant ID skills for both cultivated and native species
-State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 6
-Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification

Job Description:

The Facilities Planning and Management Department at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Groundskeeper II. This position works on a team to maintain the university grounds so they retain an attractive appearance throughout the changing seasons. This position must maintain a valid Iowa Pesticide Applicator License (category 3OT and 6) to properly apply herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers to annuals and perennials, turf, shrub beds, rock islands, and trees. Also responsible for accurately completing required state spray forms. This position requires the safe operation and maintenance of various equipment, including loaders, tractors, rollers, sod cutters, mowers, string trimmers, shovels and edgers. The Groundskeeper II's are also responsible for performing snow and ice removal during winter months, which includes operating snow removal equipment, applying ice melt products, and working irregular hours as needed to ensure campus safety. The successful candidate will work well in a team environment, communicate effectively, and make safety a priority.

-Must have State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 3OT at time of hire.
-Must have State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 6 within 90 days of hire.
-Must attain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification within 6 months of hire.

This position follows a schedule of Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all duties listed under Groundskeeper I.

• Applies pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides using mechanized or hand equipment.

• Maintains records/maps of all areas sprayed, chemicals used, and completes state records as required by state law.

• Identifies turf, shrubbery, and flower problems and determines chemicals to use.

• Calibrates sprayer/spreader equipment for appropriate dispersal rate of chemicals, mixes chemical solutions according to specifications.

• Prepares seed beds and performs seeding, planting and transplanting, including flowers, trees and shrubs, and lawns.

• Waters, weeds, hoes, sprays, and removed dead blossoms in flower beds.

• Trims hedges and shrubs, digs up bulbs and transplants shrubs and trees; treats and controls plant diseases.

• Supervises the operation of a greenhouse; submits requisitions for seeds and supplies; germinates seedling plants, roots, cuttings, and otherwise grows plants for the campus.

• May assign, coordinate, and review the work of other groundskeeping personnel.

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 satisfactorily perform a full range of duties such as spraying, pruning, seeding, sodding, fertilizing, weeding, transplanting, and trimming.

• Knowledge of proper safety techniques to be used in the operation of gardening tools.

• Knowledge of symptoms of plant diseases and appropriate treatment.

• Ability to lift.

• Knowledge of pesticide application, storage and recordkeeping.

• Ability to assign and direct work of others

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:

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 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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:

November 5, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 15, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18083