Groundskeeper

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits

Current Benefits

Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.

We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Health and Wellness:

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:

Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year's and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:

After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:

Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.

Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.

After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee's eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate's tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Department Statement

It is the mission of the Facilities Department at Colgate University to create the safest, cleanest, and most comfortable environment that further distinguishes Colgate University as a world-class educational institution. We work hard as part of a unified team, to make everyone who arrives on campus feel welcomed.

"One team, one mission"

The Facilities Department provides the physical environment, utilities, and facilities support services necessary to promote the educational and research activities of the university. To ensure quality service to our community, we provide strong coordination and communications between multi-functional groups and our customers, with a customer-oriented approach. Training and development of self-directed teams promotes a work environment that encourages employee initiative, engagement and development.

Accountabilities

Accountable for maintaining beautification of campus grounds and athletic fields, as well as completing campus work requests such as moves, large deliveries and event set ups.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Delivery of large items, stage/chair set ups and other related duties for campus events and furniture moves.

• Assist tradespersons as general laborers.

• Maintain traffic signage.

• Cleaning of garage and fleet vehicles.

• Snow and Ice removal (mechanically and manually),

• Respond to all general tasks related to campus work requests as assigned. Must be willing to accept assignments at any work location, as workload requires.

• Perform lawn maintenance including grass cutting, trimming, seeding, fertilization, litter and leaf removal, hedge trimming, brush cutting, limited tree trimming and felling, planting, weed control and general beautification of University property.

• Maintain athletic fields for intramural and intercollegiate events, care of hockey rink including ice making and Zamboni operation, pest control and pesticide application, minor maintenance and lubrication of mechanical equipment, operation of garbage and recycling trucks, and other similar kinds of work as required.

Technical Competencies

Name Customer Service/Communication Description

Demonstrates ability to provide professional communications in all interactions, including face-to-face, phone, radio or written. Demonstrates ability to diffuse the most challenging situations and remain calm and focused and escalate as required. Demonstrates ability to communicate (oral and written) with customers in an appropriate level of detail, including appropriate policies and procedures as related to requests (e.g. work orders, appropriate shop). Always demonstrates confidence to the user in Facilities' ability to solve issues. Demonstrates ability to appropriately broker services that do not relate to Facilities. Demonstrates positive relationships with all students, faculty, employees, parents, alumni and guests. Demonstrates an ability to work with a diverse group of constituents.

Name Regulatory, Safety and Equipment Operations Description

Demonstrates use of all safety regulations (federal, state and local), as well as Colgate policies, practices and procedures to carry out duties in a safe manner related to carrying out duties. Operates and maintains tools, equipment and vehicles in accordance with safety regulations, policies and procedures. Stays up-to-date on required training.

Name Project and Job Planning Description

Demonstrates ability to efficiently plan jobs and projects by developing requirements, coordinating across teams, with customers and with outside contractors for timely completion. Ability to plan for the impact on campus events. Demonstrates an ability to proactively plan for projects including time and ordering parts. Demonstrates an understanding of the sustainable impact.

Name Technology Description

Demonstrates ability to use technology (e.g. email) to communicate and record work activity as required. Demonstrates expertise knowledge related to technology (e.g. systems, tools, equipment) that is used for specific duties. Demonstrates expertise knowledge in database sufficient for accurate recording of receiving and inventory.

Name Vendor Relations Description

Demonstrates positive relationships with contractors and vendors. Follows University guidelines for bidding and selection of services and goods. Ensures that assigned contractors and vendors follow University guidelines.

Name Team Work Description

Demonstrates an ability to work as part of a unified team, with positive relationships with all members of the department. Demonstrates strong coordination and communications between multi-functional teams to get the job done and done well. Demonstrates guidance and encouragement to fellow team members to be successful.

Name Groundskeeping Description

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of proper lawn maintenance techniques and care for athletic fields and ice rink. Demonstrates the proper skills for operating motorized equipment and vehicles in a safe manner. Demonstrates the proper pesticide application in accordance with the NYS DEC.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Personal Accountability for Results Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name Effective Communication Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name Problem Solving and Decision Making Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name Change Management Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name Leadership and Teamwork Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Name Creativity and Innovation Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name Diversity and Inclusion Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name Sustainability Description

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Must be capable of working cooperatively with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of constituents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in operation of motorized farm-type equipment and some background knowledge of general grounds work and equipment maintenance preferred.

• New York State DEC Pesticide Applicator license highly desirable.

• CDL (Class B) permit or license.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Certifications

• A current valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain CDL (class B) permit within 45 days from the date of hire and a CDL (class B) license will be required within six months of hire/transfer date. CDL holders are subject to random drug testing and required to pass a physical exam in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, as well as stoop, bend, reach and climb.

• Required to lift and carry up 50 pounds, while from time-to-time may be required to assist with lifting objects up to 100 pounds.

• Required to work in all type of weather conditions.

• Position is deemed essential under the University's Essential Personnel Policy.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends and overtime, as required.

• Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor.

• Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

• Required to wear a uniform, as provided.

Other Information

Colgate bargaining unit employees must apply by June 12, 2024, to be considered.