26-140 Groundskeepers (Two Vacancies, Semi-Skilled Laborers) - Grounds Department

Salary: $38,396.00 Annually

Location: West Chester University, PA

Job Number: 26-140

Department: Finance & Administration

Division: Grounds

Opening Date: 05/12/2026

Closing Date: 5/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Grounds Department invites applicants for the position of Groundskeeper.

The shift for the position is Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

As part of this community, the Facilities Division designs, constructs and maintains a dynamic, safe, and sustainable campus to continually advance its nationally benchmarked living and learning community.

The Grounds Maintenance Department maintains 300 acres of University grounds. Our groundskeepers, equipment operators, and supervisory staff provide exceptional service. This position provides manual work in the maintenance of the University grounds including lawn, shrubbery, mulched bed, tree, hardscape, parking lot, sidewalk, step, ramp maintenance, and operation of a skid loader.

The ideal candidate is professional, punctual, has an eye for detail and can follow instructions through proper communication while working with little supervision.

Responsibilities include:

• Mow, seed, fertilize, clip grass, string trim, aerate, sod, and top-dress lawns
• Mulch, plant and transplant, weed, edge, water, fertilize, shear and prune shrubbery
• Snowplow, shovel and spread salt
• Operate riding and push lawn mowers, snow blower, skid loader, chain saw and similar various hand tools and vehicles within driver's license certification
• Leaf removal
• Line fields for WCU club events and maintain edges to be level with turf
• Litter removal
• Remove litter and debris to keep storm drain grates open for roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, steps, and sidewalk ramps
• Empty, remove, and replace trash/recycling cans and cigarette urns as directed
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment, materials, and supplies
• Perform other duties as assigned

As a member of the Facilities Divisional staff, this position is deemed essential. Essential employees must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings of the University due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances or other reasons.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction;
  OR
• An equivalent combination of experience and training
• A valid driver's license

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the tools and methods used in construction and maintenance of buildings, structures, roadways, and trails.
• Ability to read and interpret written material, including road or trail maps and instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Essential Functions:

This position requires frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling to plant, mulch and weed beds. Applicants must be able to carry 30 lb. buckets of paint; handle 50 lb. bags of fertilizer and ice melt; push a 100-lb. mower; reach forward to trim a hedge or operate a jackhammer; shovel up to 20 lbs. of wet snow and work outside under severe weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outdoor labor experience
• Landscaping experience
• Bulk trash removal experience
• Customer service experience

Special Instructions

Salary and benefits are dictated by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement.

Candidates should apply online at . A cover letter, resume and a list of three references with contact information are required for consideration.

Due to the nature of the position, employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email [email protected] for questions regarding the application process.