Grounds Worker Applicator

Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department: 55100 – Grounds

Advertised
Salary: $20.25 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

AFSCME Benefits

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time

Union Group: Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)

Term of
Position: 12 Month

At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause

Summary of Position

Perform independent maintenance and repair of campus grounds, roads, walks, plant life, irrigation systems, and grounds equipment
using approved environmental and ecological practices. Normal working hours are M-F, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. This position may require
availability to work other shifts, weekends, and evenings, including overtime and responding to emergency calls. If required by job duties,
the employee must be able to fulfill the University requirements concerning the issuance and use of University keys.

Position
Type: Staff

Required Education

High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Required Work
Experience

Three years full-time equivalent landscape maintenance and landscape construction functions as performed in a
residential and/or commercial setting.

Commercial pesticide spray experience.

Required Licenses and
Certifications

Valid driver’s license. Valid (current) State of Michigan Pesticide Application license Category (Core, 3A,
3B).

Physical Demands

• Bending
• Carrying
• Inclement Weather
• Moving
• Reaching
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Climbing
• Driving
• Heights
• Lifting
• Pulling/Pushing
• Repetitive movement
• Standing

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Maintain campus lawns, all plant life, flower and shrub beds including but not limited to planting, mowing, shoveling, leaf and
litter removal, mulching, sweeping, etc.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to repair and maintain irrigation systems.

Snow
and ice removal from campus roads, lots, walks, steps, ramps, etc. with mechanical and powered equipment.

Apply general use,
ready-to-use, non-licensing required pesticide and related products.

Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and
retention initiatives.

Construct and/or install landscape functions such as hardscape construction (e.g., modular and/or retaining
walls, paver bricks, patios, walkways, benches, etc.)

Calculate pesticide application methods and calibrations.

Use and follow
pesticide safety guidelines as dictated by state and federal regulations and FSU-established criteria.

Mix and/or apply pesticides
(State of Michigan license required), adjuvants, and related products.

Pruning of trees, shrubs, and other plant
life.

Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to
university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of
employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties.

Carries out responsibilities in
accordance with university policies and applicable laws.

Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and
celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.

Support, promote,
and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification
area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities

Maintenance of sports turf and playing surfaces, including field
layout and paint striping.

Assist in the repair of landscape fencing.

Assist with the installation and maintenance of concrete
flat work.

Assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing storm drain systems.

Maintain and perform minor repairs on
grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., blade replacement, sharpening, greasing).

Assist in the installation, repair, and maintenance of
sidewalks, parking lots, roads, signs, bollards, etc.

Assist in the survey of site elevations and distances for various landscape and
grounds maintenance functions.

Other duties may be assigned, including assistance of other grounds employees as
needed.

Request necessary service, garage maintenance, and/or repair of grounds maintenance equipment.

Train students and
employees in the performance of the characteristic duties.

Reports to immediate supervisor.

Maintains safety, health, and
quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.

Skills and Abilities

Skills and abilities to perform
essential and marginal duties.

Work harmoniously with others in variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and
inclement weather.

Maintain University and grounds maintenance industry standards of good workmanship in both quality and
quantity.

Read, understand, interpret, and follow directions, safety labels, and equipment operation manuals.

Familiarity with
and proficiency in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of small engine/grounds equipment such as light-duty trucks, small
engines, lawn mowers, light-duty tractors and skidsteers, snow removal machines, air compressors, and any other equipment associated with
grounds-related work functions.

Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

Work
independently.

Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Facilities Management
Safety Manual.

Be familiar with identifying trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.

Demonstrated knowledge of accepted A.A.N.
(American Association of Nurserymen) methods of pruning trees and shrubs.

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with
people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Required
Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Special Instructions to Applicants

All
applicants must ensure their application information reflects how they meet the minimum qualifications posted in the job posting to be
considered for the position.

Initial Application Review Date: August 10, 2026

Open Until Position is
Filled?: Yes

EEO Statement

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to
qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational
excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and
other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.

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