JOBS AT EIU

Grounds Gardener

Position Summary: 
Eastern Illinois University is seeking candidates for a full-time Grounds Gardener. This position will be responsible for skilled gardening operations, under general supervision from a designated supervisor. This position will oversee the care and maintenance of all plant materials in the campus grounds with primary emphasis on annual and perennial flower beds. Creating a safe and conducive environment that enhances and contributes to the learning experience. This position works hand in hand with other positions in the department to reach these goals. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises and performs work in planting, transplanting, fertilizing, spraying, watering, pruning, and otherwise tending to the cultivation of flowers, bushes, or other shrubberies and ornamental plants. 
• Supervises and assists in the upkeep of gardens, flower beds, lawns, and greenhouses. 
• Supervises and trains assistants as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 
   
  Minimum Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience in the maintenance of gardens, lawns, shrubs, or trees. 
   
   
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the care of gardens, lawns, shrubs, and trees.
• Ability to supervise.
• Ability to follow simple instructions.
• Ability and willingness to work as directed. 
   
  Work Hours 
  The core work hours of this position are Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. 
   
  Salary/Pay Rate Range 
  $24.95 
   
  Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 
   
   
   
   
  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 
   
  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  
   
  Diversity and Inclusion: 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: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success. 
  The University located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. 
   
   
  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) 581-3911 or eiu_employment@eiu.edu for assistance.