Position Summary:
Eastern Illinois University is seeking candidates for full-time, Civil Service position of Grounds Foreman in the Department of Facilities Planning, and Management/Grounds. This position will perform tasks related to grounds maintenance and grounds construction including planning and supervising all grounds work, hiring, disciplining, recommending promotions and safety trainings.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervise and inspect all ground projects and maintenance.
- Prepare all related paperwork including work orders, evaluations, memos, estimates, and grounds training materials and handbook.
- Hiring, discipline, dismissing, recommend promotions, and transfers.
- Manage budgets, recordkeeping of all trainings, and licensing requirements.
- Plan and coordinate supplies and materials with scheduled maintenance activities and projects; work with other crafts; weekly and extended work schedule.
- Design flower beds, tree and shrub plantings and landscape structures.
- Order supplies, equipment, and materials for grounds maintenance activities and projects.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Four (4) years (48 months) of work experience in grounds maintenance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the uses of equipment and tools to be used.
- Knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of grounds, shrubs, hedges, and trees.
- Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points.
- Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Skill in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Skill in determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Skill in repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Skill in managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Ability to perform closely controlled and purposeful physical movements.
- Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Ability to follow simple instructions and to work as directed.
Work Hours:
The core work hours of this position are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Starting Salary/Pay Rate Range:
$28.00 - $30.00 based on experience.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
In accordance with Eastern Illinois University policy (IGP #14.1), EIU is generally unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B, OPT, or other) for this Civil Service position.
Required Applicant Documents:
The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.
- Application
- Resume
- References
- Transcripts (where required as a MAQ)
Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
- Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
- Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
- Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
- Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.
For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php
Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.
The University and Community:
Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.
Important Information for Applicants:
Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or [email protected] for assistance.
