Grounds Worker - Open Recruitment

SIUE is pleased to announce Open Recruitment/Testing for Grounds Worker positions for the FY24 year.

PLEASE NOTE: Open Recruitment classifications describe a group of positions that are frequently hired, therefore applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your application materials will be assessed and your name will be added to the employment register for current and/or future vacancies within this job title. When a department has an opening for a ‘Open Recruitment’ classification, only applicants who have applied, qualified and tested will be considered. Only those candidates already on the employment register may be considered if there is a vacancy.

Grounds Workers spend a substantial amount of time mowing, trimming, dethatching, fertilizing lawns, aerating lawns and fields, seeding and sodding, raking and mulch leaves on all University property. The selected candidate will maintain athletic fields/artificial turf, mark out boundaries, paint team logos, and remove trash /recycle material. The Grounds Worker also handles removal of nuisance animals.

Additionally, Grounds Workers will assist in tree planting, and trimming of hedges, shrubs and small trees, removing dead trees, damaged or unwanted trees as needed. Grounds Workers will also help plant flowers, trees, and shrubs and water lawns, trees and landscapes.

Other duties may include:

• Remove of concrete/asphalt and debris while repairing and maintaining secondary roads/parking areas

• Cleans streets, walks, drains, catch basins/outdoor areas.

• Apply fertilizers/pesticides and chemicals to stimulate growth and prevent or control weeds, disease or insect infestation.

• Weed and mulch landscape beds.

• Maintains irrigation systems.

• Supervise temporary workers and student workers performing the duties of the grounds department.

• Assist with removal of snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, stairs, ramps, driveways and parking lots.

Candidates must have the ability to perform the following physical activities: lifting, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, carrying heavy loads, grasping, bending, walking, and driving as well as assist with removal of snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, stairs, ramps, driveways and parking lots as needed. Snow removal may require Grounds Workers to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned in support of the department/university’s mission and goals. Grounds Workers positions are held at all three campuses, Edwardsville, East St. Louis and Alton; specific departments may vary. Please be sure to indicate the campuses you would be willing to work at on your Civil Service application.

SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at percentage of appointment) including:

To Apply for this Vacancy:
This position requires current Illinois residency to apply. When applying through the HireTouch system, please be sure to complete ALL the 2023 forms that are attached to the job located under your Applicant Profile box (refresh browser if needed).

Applicants must submit an updated and complete Civil Service Application, which must include complete employment history. The application is the last form in the document package. Your application should reflect a thorough list of relevant skills and experience related to the minimum qualifications listed for this position. Please be detailed in current and past job duties, as this is what is used in the credential assessments. While a resume may be submitted with the application, data for each employer must be listed on this application form. ("See Resume" may only be used as a substitute in the section entitled "Specific Duties Performed".) If the Civil Service application is incomplete you will not be considered for the position as our office will be unable to evaluate your submission to determine if you possess the required minimum qualifications.

If qualifying by education or to qualify for a required educational prerequisite, you must submit your transcripts, including those for SIUE, at the time of application. Applicants qualifying for veteran’s preference must submit a copy of form DD214 at the time of application. For additional information, please visit: Eligibility Criteria and Point Allocation and Proof of Eligibility. Please submit any other licenses or certifications related to the position at the time of application.

Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment. Some positions are represented by a union and may incur union dues. For more information, please visit the Office of Human Resources website at www.siue.edu/human-resources or call Civil Service Testing at 618-650-2190.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance of diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. Integral to this commitment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives for a student body and a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For more on our State of Diversity, visit SIUE Mission, Goals and Plans

1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling six (6) months in the categories listed below:
A. work experience in grounds maintenance or grounds construction and/or tending to lawns, turfs, trees, flowers, bushes or other shrubbery, and ornamental plants
B. work experience in one of the following: landscape, nursery, agriculture or grounds related areas.
C. coursework or vocational training in horticulture or a closely related field. i. twelve (12) semester hours = six (6) months
3. As required by the position to be filled, current license consistent with vehicles, machinery, and equipment that is routinely used in the general occupational area.