Position Title:
Grounds Worker Applicator
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Advertised Salary:
$20.25 per hour
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).
AFSCME Benefits
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.
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
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
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.
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.
