Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Groundskeeper performs grounds and landscape duties, snow removal and equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds and athletic fields and support all campus wide events.

Minimum Qualifications

High School/Equivalent and one (1) year of experience in landscape maintenance including operation of grounds related equipment

Valid US driver’s license

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to operate hand power equipment and grounds related maintenance equipment
• Ability to read, write and perform simple arithmetic
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Job Duties

1. Perform all tasks necessary for routine maintenance of athletic fields and campus landscapes/projects in accordance with Rensselaer’s seasonal grounds maintenance program.  Monitor campus grounds for trash/debris and empty/clean external trash areas. 
2. Perform proper planting techniques for trees, shrubs, groundcovers, bulbs, perennials and annuals. Perform proper bed maintenance techniques such as weeding, edging, mulching, plant removal/replacement, seasonal cleanup, pruning and dead-heading. 
3. Inspect, maintain and operate grounds and field related power equipment at proper working and safety standards. Clean equipment daily or at the end of each use.  Report and document any needed repairs of equipment.
4. Provide support for campus functions and events, including event preparation, setup and breakdown, litter control and site restoration. Provide support for athletic field operations and campus moves as required.
5. Maintain water requirements for plant material and turf areas. Utilize manual irrigation when conditions warrant.
6. Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus.  Operate, maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institute’s standards.
7. Comply with standing instructions provided by operating manuals, safety rules and regulations for personal protection and safety and the safety of others. Report instances of vandalism/theft of Institute property immediately to Supervisor or Public Safety. Maintain work and storage areas in a clean, organized and safe condition.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Salary Range/Rate

Expected hiring range:   $17.00 + .10 cents per year of experience

Pay transparency disclosure:  The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create an application. Please be ready to upload required documents, such as your resume and cover letter

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Culture of Safety at Rensselaer

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff, and students. As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.