Job description

Position Title:

Groundskeeper II

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience operating the machinery and tools used in grounds work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years. • Must have successfully completed commercial certification tests (30T-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides and eligible to be certified. • May be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests as required.

Job Description:

The Facilities Planning and Management Department at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Groundskeeper II. This position works on a team to maintain the university grounds so they retain an attractive appearance throughout the changing seasons. This position must maintain a valid Iowa Pesticide Applicator License (category 3OT and 6) to properly apply herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers to annuals and perennials, turf, shrub beds, rock islands, and trees. Also responsible for accurately completing required state spray forms. This position requires the safe operation and maintenance of various equipment, including loaders, tractors, rollers, sod cutters, mowers, string trimmers, shovels and edgers. The successful candidate will work well in a team environment, communicate effectively, and make safety a priority.

-Must have State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 3OT at time of hire.
-Must have State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 6 within 90 days of hire.
-Must attain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification within 6 months of hire.

This position follows a schedule of Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Grading, seeding, and sod experience
-Irrigation experience
-Knowledge of proper planting techniques and experience with trees, shrub and perennials
-Plant ID skills for both cultivated and native species
-State of Iowa Commercial Applicator License Category 6
-Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake, motor vehicle inspector certification

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Original Posting Date:

May 18, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19249

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.