Grounds and Support III - 998947
- Grounds Services
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Grounds and Support III - 998947
Position Number: 998947
Unit/Department: Grounds Services
Salary: $16.44/hr
Department Summary:
Come join the Drake Facilities team! We are seeking a competent, trustworthy and reliable person to serve as Grounds and Support III. This is an entry level grounds worker position with continuous on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and development.
Job Summary:
Be responsible for appearance of designated areas, to include but not limited to: Athletic Field, flower beds, common areas, trees and hardscapes.
Operate tractors, mowers and related equipment associated with grounds maintenance.
Operate hand equipment, plant, cultivate, care for and maintain landscaped areas and turf. Assist in the care, repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Maintain and make minor repairs to buildings, fences, gates, walkways, parking lots, secondary roads and other areas.
Operate powered and unpowered equipment to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, parking lots or roadways.
Evaluate and perform ice control on campus sidewalks, steps, parking lots and secondary roads.
Must be able to perform overtime when needed.
Assist in hauling and moving of furniture, equipment and other campus related items.
Provide support in university events including set ups and tear downs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be able to initiate and maintain good customer and co worker relationships in a team environment.
- Ability to navigate and use FPM work order system.
- Ability to consistently meet the department work schedule as designated.
- Capable of self initiation of required duties of general specific nature.
- Ability to work with limited supervision.
- High School graduate or equivalent.
- Ability in lifting 25–50 pounds frequently and/or lifting 51–100 pounds with assistance.
- Valid Driver’s License, good driving record and insurable by Drake University.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Equipment Operator – mowers, skid loaders, forklift, boom lift, tractors, carts
- Commercial Applicator License
- Masonry and Hardscape
Job Duties:
- 20% - Be responsible for appearance of designated areas, to include but not limited to: athletic fields, flower beds, common areas, trees and hardscapes. - (Essential)
- 20% - Operate tractors, mowers and related equipment associated with grounds maintenance. Operate hand equipment, plant, cultivate, care for and maintain landscaped areas and turf. - (Essential)
- 20% - Operate powered and unpowered equipment to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, parking lots or roadways. - (Essential)
- 10% - Evaluate and perform ice control on campus sidewalks, steps, parking lots and secondary roads. Must be able to perform overtime when needed. - (Essential)
- 10% - Assist in hauling and moving of furniture, equipment and other campus-related items around campus. - (Essential)
- 5% - Maintain and make minor repairs to buildings, fences, gates, walkways, parking lots, secondary roads and other areas. - (Essential)
- 5% - Assist in the care, repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment. - (Essential)
- 5% - Provide support in university events including set-ups and tear-downs. - (Essential)
- 5% - Perform other duties as assigned. - (Essential)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
Salary and Benefits:
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
