Groundskeeper 4 at Yale University in New Haven, CT

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Overview

The Groundskeeper 4 (Step 1 of the MGP) supports a variety of landscaping services under the direction of a Master Gardener, Gardener or Supervisor performing landscaping, maintenance and repair services for Yale Athletic fields, Golf Course, Campus Landscape Areas and surrounding properties as assigned.

This position has a one year (1,950 work hours) probationary period from start date – employee must go through all four seasons to pass probationary period.

Schedule: Thursday-Monday, 6:00am -2:30pm

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrate regular, reliable, and predictable attendance. Portrays excellent attention to detail and exemplary customer service skills, and willingness to assist and/or work with others.

2. Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Must treat fellow employees, staff, students, and guests of the University with respect.

3. Ability to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

4. Ability to use technology such as computers, communications devices, equipment, and related software in support of the required duties.

5. Demonstrates the ability to estimate and procure tools, materials, equipment, and supplies to maximize efficiency, minimize waste of time and materials, and to ensure timely completion of tasks.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Cleans and maintains University properties which include litter picking, trash and debris removal, sweeping sidewalks and courtyards, snow removal, leaf removal, mulching, mowing, other general landscaping maintenance, uses hand and power equipment and tools.
2. Performs maintenance for the Golf Course such as mowing of tees, greens, approaches, fairways, and roughs with specialized mowing equipment, maintaining grass and sand bunkers, changing and setting tee marker and putting green pins, seeding, top dressing, aerating, fertilizing under the guidance of the greens keeping superintendent, master gardener or gardener.
3. Performs all duties required in the maintaining of athletic facilities such as setup, layout, marking and maintenance of athletic fields, tennis courts, track, and polo fields.
4. Provides support for University events (e.g. Sets up stadiums and athletic fields for events, assist with grounds and tents for academic events, etc.), by coordinating support grounds services and repairs. Works with other Yale staff to ensure that work is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
5. Installs plant material, trees, shrubs, sod, lawns, and other planting material as assigned and directed.
6. Weeds, mulches, rakes, and waters properties. Prunes annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees using the appropriate techniques.
7. Planting using the appropriate techniques under direction of LG11 Master Gardener or Supervisor.
8. Operates power equipment such as, but not limited to, mowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, turf vacuums, snow-blowers and tractor/loaders as needed. Can operate chainsaw if certified and trained and only under the direction of LG6 or higher.
9. Under direction, operates irrigation systems.
10. Operates, cleans and performs preventive maintenance such as greasing, checking and filling, fluids, etc. on all equipment and vehicles.
11. Paints or marks parking lots under direction of LG10 Gardener and LG11 Master Gardener.
12. Observes all safety standards and practices at all times.
13. Reports all repairs required and safety and fire hazards to lead employee and/or supervisor.
14. Observes all rules and regulations found in the Yale University Service & Maintenance Employee Handbook & Work Rules.
15. Performs related duties as required or assigned within the job classification.

Required Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent. Must have one year of full-time accumulated work experience in grounds maintenance or related field work experience. Experience and references must be provided by applicant and validated by the University.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

1. Must possess driver’s license valid in the state of Connecticut.
2. Must be able to pass Yale Driver Safety Awareness on-line training.
3. Must be able to attain a Connecticut Pesticide Applicators License within two years and successful completion of the probationary period.
4. Must pass Yale internally-developed written and practical tests for landscape and grounds maintenance. Refer to “Master Gardener Program” (MGP) for additional details.

Physical Requirements

1. Works on ladders as required by the job which may be in excess of eight (8) feet Ability to climb and descend stairs.
2. Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or squatting.
3. Occasional sustained overhead work.
4. Works outside in all types of weather and temperature.
5. Moves both arms and shoulders in full and extended motion while working with tools and materials.
6. Moves, lifts and/or carries equipment, tools and material of up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance up to shoulder height and up to seventy (70) pounds without assistance up to waist height.
7. Drives motor vehicles and other equipment.
8. Works closely with a variety of trees, plant life, grass, and soils, etc.
9. Ability to pull, push, and walk with equipment (lawn mowers, wheelbarrow, snow blowers, etc.) on uneven or sloped terrain.

Job Posting Date 05/21/2026

Job Category Service Worker

Bargaining Unit L35

Compensation Grade Labor Grade 4

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range $26.32

Time Type Full time

Duration Type Staff

Work Model On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.