Department Summary:

Come join the Drake team! We are always seeking great additions to our Grounds and Support Department. We are in search of a capable and service-minded individuals to join our existing team of amazing Grounds workers. Drake University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, flexible spending accounts, retirement plan options and generous four (4) weeks of time off. Drake University also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees, their partners/spouses, and dependent children through our tuition waiver and tuition exchange programs.

Job Summary:

Under direct or indirect supervision from the Grounds Manager, direct the work of and perform assigned duties of Grounds and Support positions, while following applicable policies and safety procedures. This position performs duties and assists other employees in all necessary areas of grounds maintenance including training and assisting in the evaluation of the work of Grounds worker positions.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school graduate or equivalent, 7+ years experience as a grounds worker, a demonstrated commitment to the requirements of the job, ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License and Herbicide Applicator License, have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and insurable by Drake University.

Preferred Qualifications:

Irrigation Repair

Commercial Applicator License

Masonry and Hardscape Experience

Computer Literacy

Sports Field Maintenance

Job Duties:

• 20% - Scheduling and directing daily work of the grounds team, while managing time off requests, approving time sheets, and preparing proper staffing plans for major all-campus events. - (Essential)
• 20% - Responsibility for appearance of designated areas, including but not limited to: Athletic fields, flower beds, common areas, trees, and hardscapes. - (Essential)
• 20% - Operate powered and non-powered equipment to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, parking lots, and secondary roads. Evaluate and perform ice control on campus sidewalks, steps, parking lots, and secondary roads. - (Essential)
• 10% - Operate tractors, mowers, and related equipment associated with grounds maintenance. Operate hand equipment associated with grounds maintenance. Plant, cultivate, care for and maintain landscaped areas and turf. - (Essential)
• 5% - Training and advising both seasoned and new employees on the proper completion of assigned job duties. - (Essential)
• 5% - Assist in the care, repair, and maintenance of machinery and equipment. Maintain and make repairs to buildings, fences, signage, gates, walkways, parking lots, secondary roads, and other University property. - (Essential)
• 5% - Responsibility for the appearance of designated areas of campus by removing trash, litter, branches, and changing trash barrels. - (Essential)
• 5% - Responsibility for reporting unusual or unsatisfactory conditions, damage to property or plants, or any other abnormal conditions that occur. - (Essential)
• 5% - Lead the Grounds and Support Team in the absence of the Grounds Manager - (Essential)
• 5% - Perform other duties as assigned - (Essential)

The Grounds and Support Lead Person provides adequate direction and supervision of the duties performed by the Grounds and Support team.

This includes:

• Scheduling and directing daily work of the grounds team, while managing time off requests, approving time sheets, and preparing proper staffing plans for major all-campus events.

• Training and advising both seasoned and new employees on the proper completion of assigned job duties.

• Responsibility for appearance of designated areas, including but not limited to: Athletic fields, flower beds, common areas, trees, and hardscapes.

• Operate tractors, mowers, lifts and other related equipment associated with grounds maintenance.

• Operate hand equipment associated with grounds maintenance.

• Plant, cultivate, care for and maintain landscaped areas and turf.

• Assist in the care, repair, and maintenance of machinery and equipment.

• Maintain and make repairs to buildings, fences, signage, gates, walkways, parking lots, secondary roads, and other University property.

• Operate powered and non-powered equipment to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, parking lots, and secondary roads.

• Evaluate and perform ice control on campus sidewalks, steps, parking lots, and secondary roads.

• Responsibility for the appearance of designated areas of campus by removing trash, litter, branches, and changing trash barrels.

• Responsibility for reporting unusual or unsatisfactory conditions, damage to property or plants, or any other abnormal conditions that occur.

• Must be able to perform Overtime work when needed.

• Must have prompt and regular attendance.

• Must have a positive working attitude and relationship with various campus partners, and a willingness to represent FP&M and Drake in a positive manner.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits