Grounds Foreman

Overview of Grounds Foreman

The Grounds department at Purdue University Northwest is seeking a Grounds Foreman. This position is responsible for the prioritization and status of the daily work assignments of other groundskeepers. Our Grounds Department perform all landscaping duties including planting, cutting, trimming, fertilizing and watering of trees, shrubs, lawns and flower beds. Cleaning and repair of campus roadways, walks, and parking lots, snow plowing, line painting, removal of storm drain debris, empty outdoor trash containers, integrated pest management and picking up litter and various other duties.

Duties and Responsibilities of Grounds Foreman

• Will assist, or in the absence of the Grounds Supervisor, has the authority and responsibility to identify issues that need attention by the Grounds Department, responsible for the prioritization of daily work assignments and follows up on the status of service requests and daily work assignments
• Ensures a well-maintained facility to foster exemplary learning environment
• Communicates information to the supervisors, and co-workers in regards to enhancing work standards, task procedures and equipment.
• Performs landscape maintenance tasks such as planting, sowing,watering edging, trimming, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and applying weed and insect pesticides and mouse bait stations in order to maintain University grounds including trees, shrubs, lawns, flowers, and other plant material, irrigation
• Operates and provides preventive maintenance to Grounds Department equipment
• Has primary responsibility for irrigation systems including repairs, start up and shut down under the direction of supervisor
• Performs asphalt and concrete maintenance as directed by supervisor
• Assists in maintaining entrances, parking lots, sidewalk surfaces, turf areas, beds and appearance of campus grounds by daily picking up of litter and trash and cleaning of areas as prescribed by supervisor
• Empties trash containers and refuse from campus as needed
• Removes ice and snow during winter months
• Provides support services to campus Operations and Maintenance and performs any other services as requested by the supervisor
• Subject to 24-hour callback for emergencies and needed coverage

Benefits of Grounds Foreman

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Ten paid vacation days first year of employment
• Ten paid holidays
• University paid and matching contribution to retirement
• University contribution to Health Savings Account –
  • Plus, a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus
  

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away.

Education of Grounds Foreman

• High School Diploma/GED

Experience of Grounds Foreman

• Three years of demonstrated work experience in the Grounds, Landscape, Horticulture and Irrigation profession in a golf course, schools, parks and recreation, or other similar fields.
• Supervisory experience, preferred

Core Competencies of Grounds Foreman

• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must meet the Minimum Driver Qualifications as defined by the Use of Vehicles for University Business Policy
• Knowledge and understanding of grounds maintenance, irrigation and horticultural practices as related to the Purdue University Northwest Hammond Campus.
• Ability to follow verbal and written communication.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50-80lbs frequently and up to 100lbs occasionally
• Position could require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Indiana Pesticide Applicators or Technician license preferred

Additional Information

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt