Grounds Technician-Facilities Services-Grounds

Posting Details Job #:
042840

Department Code:
31224-5561

Department:
Facilities Services

Job Title:
Grounds Technician-Facilities Services-Grounds

Location:
Syracuse, NY

Campus:
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience:
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range:
$30.976-$34.418 hr

Pay Determination:
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidates education, training, work experience and key competencies; the universitys strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level:
85

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Hours:
Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm

(All days and hours subject to change)

Job Type:
Full-time

Unionized Position Code:
UP

Job Description:
Exercise judgment to make decisions and comply with instructions in interior/exterior groundskeeping and operate a variety of equipment.

Education and Experience:
Associates Degree in Ornamental horticulture, Greenhouse Management or Floriculture.

2 to 3 years practical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Permit for application of pesticides and herbicides.

Valid drivers license; the ability to drive both manual an automatic transmission vehicles is required.

Skills and Knowledge:
Associates Degree in Ornamental horticulture, Greenhouse Management or Floriculture. 2 to 3 years practical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Pesticide applicators license category 3A. Valid drivers license; the ability to drive both manual an automatic transmission vehicles is required.

Responsibilities:
Transplant all types of interior plants.

Apply required amounts of fertilizer and water.

Prepare and spray proper pesticides and herbicides.

Select, layout and care for plants for interior planters.

Prune and propagate plants.

Plant exterior plants, tree, hedges and shrubs.

Instruct and oversee the work of 3-5 workers.

Blend potting soil; install water-metering equipment; install drainage in planters.

Operate spraying equipment.

Load materials and equipment on trucks for transport to work area.

Remove snow and ice and apply salt as needed.

Dig holes for shrubs and trees; rake dirt, grass and leaves, and clean up litter from lawns and shrubs.

Physical Requirements:
Standing, walking (85% 90% of the shift)
Frequent bending at the waist; able to bend to below the knee (75% 90%)
Frequent stooping, crouching, kneeling (75% 90% of shift)
Frequent twisting and bending of head, neck, and torso (75% 95% of shift)
Full range of arm movement (extension, twisting, and bending of arm and shoulder, reaching overhead, etc.) 80% 95%)
Visual and cognitive capability sufficient to troubleshoot and diagnose problems and correct; able to read, interpret and adhere to diagrams, blueprints
Cognitive, auditory and verbal ability sufficient to give instructions to staff, and receive instructions and communication from staff and others
Able to perform manual digging and shovel snow and ice for several hours at a time; raking, loading and unloading trucks lifting items weighing up to 80 pounds each
Wrist and finger dexterity sufficient to use a variety of hand tools to perform tasks
Able to handle and operate power tools (e.g. drills, circular saw, hand snake)
May need to work on a ladder, scaffolds, or other elevated heights
Able to drive vehicles with manual and automatic transmissions
Able to climb up into and down from truck cab
Able to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, wet windy, conditions
Able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 100 feet
Push/pull up to 100 pounds
Exposure to strong odors, dust, chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, salt etc), rodents (e.g. bats,mice), outdoor allergens (e.g. ragweed, grass), bird droppings,

Tools/Equipment:
Operate trucks, riding mowers, tractors spraying equipment, snow plows, uniloaders, and salters.

Application Instructions:
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About Syracuse University:
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area:
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement:
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans:
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The Universitys contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community:
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link:

Job Posting Date:
06/04/2026

Application Deadline:
06/10/2026

Full Consideration By:

Job Category:
Union/Bargaining Unit

Message to Applicants:
none