Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Arts Parks and Recreation

The City of Athens is currently hiring a full-time Groundskeeper. The groundskeeper is responsible for the general maintenance of all parks and recreation facilities and performs general custodial duties in those facilities. This is a union position. The probation period for this position is 90 calendar days.

According to the AFSCME Local 2403(1) labor agreement Groundskeepers are in the A-1 classification with a current pay range of $22.43 - $24.26per hour. Employees enjoy a generous benefits package such as paid holidays sick leave vacation time a comprehensive health insurance plan (including but not limited to prescription vision dental and life insurance) wellness program public employee pension match of 14% and a fitness center membership.

This is a full-time position with a regular work schedule of Monday Friday 7:30 a.m. 4 p.m.

A Civil Service Exam will be administered on Friday January 16th 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Athens Community Center 701 E. State St. Athens Ohio . Applicants must show a valid government issued Picture ID for entry to the test. Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the exam. To be eligible for military credit a copy of the DD-214 showing honorable discharge must be submitted with the application packet. National Guard members who have completed basic training are eligible for a 15% bonus added to a passing score. Military credit is only applied to a passing score and only one form of military credit can be used. To be eligible to sit for the examination completed applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday January 14th 2026.

General inquires may be sent to Human Resources via email: or by calling: .

The City of Athens OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

We prefer applicants apply online; however paper applications are available upon request. Please call Human Resources at if you need to request a paper application.

Classification Title: Groundskeeper Bargaining Unit: AFSCME 2403 (1)

Division/Dept.: Arts Parks and Recreation FLSA Status: Non- Exempt

Reports to: Labor Supervisor Pay Grade: 1

Position Summary:

The groundskeeper is responsible for the general maintenance of all parks and recreation facilities and performs general custodial duties in those facilities. This position is in the classified service of the City requires a ninety (90) day probationary period and is covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Essential Functions:

• Performs minor repairs on buildings and equipment including painting.
• Mows grass rakes leaves picks up debris and rubbish cleans walks and parking lots.
• Prepares soil and plants; plants cultivates and waters flowers grass trees and shrubs.
• Operates equipment related to landscaping and beautification efforts.
• Designs landscaping pruning and fertilization plans or programs on all city grounds and facilities.
• Performs repetitive manual work related to maintaining city grounds and facilities.
• Assumes other responsibilities and performs other related duties as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• 
  Must have an excellent driving record.
  
• Experience in grounds keeping and general maintenance is preferred.

Position Specifications

• Meet the attendance requirements of the position.
• Ability to operate tools and maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of landscaping and cultivation techniques.
• Knowledge of building cleaning practices and supplies.
• Ability to understand written and oral directions including labels and instructions for use of equipment and supplies.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• 
  Work may routinely require the employee to climb balance bend stoop kneel push pull; lift and/or carry up to 60 pounds.

This position has been identified as being occupationally-at-risk for bloodborne pathogens. Safety precautions and procedures must be followed in the exercise of duties.

New hires are required to be certified in First Aid and CPR at the time of the next available class.

This is general description intended to provide general duties and qualifications. Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed. It is not intended to cover all situations or all necessary qualifications. Job descriptions are subject to change.

Required Experience:

Junior IC