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Groundskeeper

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience maintaining lawns, plant beds and hardscapes. What equipment have you run?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on grounds experience and can run common equipment safely.

Tell me about a time you worked outside in tough weather for a long shift. How did you keep going safely?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the physical demands and know how to manage cold and heat.

What would you do

It snows overnight and you're called in at 4 a.m. How do you decide which sidewalks, driveways and lots to clear first?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by safety and campus use, such as main walkways and accessible routes.

This role may require nights, weekends and holidays for snow. How do you feel about being on call in winter?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably respond to snow events, since the posting says this is not optional.

During an inspection you find a raised sidewalk slab that could trip someone. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act on hazards right away and report them, since campus safety is part of the job.

About the work

How do you decide how much salt or ice melt to put down, and when?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that too little is dangerous and too much damages plants, concrete and waterways.

Walk me through how you would plant and care for a new tree or shrub so it survives its first year.

What they are checking: Whether they know planting depth, watering and mulching basics for healthy landscapes.

The job requires a Vehicle Use Agreement and driving record review. Tell me about your experience driving work vehicles or plows.

What they are checking: Whether they can safely operate university vehicles under the driver authorization standards.

What safety gear and habits do you use when running mowers, trimmers or blowers near people?

What they are checking: Whether they protect themselves and students when working on a busy campus.

How do you take care of equipment so it's ready when you need it, especially snow equipment before the first storm?

What they are checking: Whether they do routine checks and maintenance rather than waiting for a breakdown.

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The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Groundskeeper Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Groundskeeper Job Duties: Maintain lawns, plant beds, natural areas, and hardscapes. Inspect campus grounds to ensure conditions are safe and meet institutional standards. Continually clean and clear sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of snow and ice at any time. This may include nights, weekends, or holidays. Additional Information: Finance & Administrative Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre Employment screenings on the selected candidate for this role. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. The selected candidate must complete a Vehicle Use Agreement application which allows a review of driver records to compare the candidate’s driving record to the University Driver Authorization Standards (Risk Management – Safety & Assurances). Employment is contingent upon successfully meeting these requirements. This position is not eligible for hybrid work and requires 100% onsite work. Key Job Responsibilities: % of Time | Responsibility 25% - Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment • Mow lawns and string trim around buildings, poles, fences and other obstacles • Plant, water, fertilize and monitor flowers in pots and beds • Operate commercial mowers, tractors, skid loaders and other power equipment 25% - Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice • Operate trucks, tractors, skid loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice • Hand shovel, scrape and apply snow-melting chemicals to ADA ramps, stairs and curb-cuts to keep free of snow and ice • Monitor and empty as needed all outdoor garbage and recycling bins to reduce debris and litter • Inspect areas and pick up trash, branches, leaves and other debris • Inspect and clear drains to reduce aerial flood risks and potential building floods 10% - Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding • Restore bare lawn areas by seeding or sodding, as appropriate • Plant new bushes, trees and perennials as needed to replace dead or damaged plants 10% - Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage • Monitor trees and shrubs for evidence of disease and apply treatments as needed 10% - Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs 10% - Oversee and guide work of student employees 5% - Complete accurate document assigned work tasks into various software programs daily 5% - Other duties as assigned • Support moving operations Required Qualifications • Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver License and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as described here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/ • Experience with landscape maintenance • Experience with snow removal • Available to work overtime (including nights, weekends, or holidays) in response to weather conditions or special events. Preferred Qualifications • HS Diploma (or equivalent) • Horticulture degree/Technical training or equivalent work experience • Snow plowing experience in a professional setting • Experience working with heavy equipment in landscaping • Experience working with heavy equipment for snow removal Target Salary Range $21.00 Hourly Apply electronically by the application deadline of October 15, 2026 . Questions about this position should be directed to Angelee Vang at vangap@uwm.edu . Reasonable Accommodations Pursuant to university policy , UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/ , or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy. Employment Authorization In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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