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Grounds Worker

University/Agency Eastern Illinois University
Civil Service Classification Grounds Worker
View Class Spec Details
Posting Duration 2/3/2026 - 2/24/2026
Probationary Period 6 months

Job Description

Eastern Illinois University is seeking candidates for full-time, Civil Service position of Grounds Worker in the Department of Facilities Planning, and Management/Grounds. This position will perform tasks related to grounds maintenance and grounds construction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Planting, fertilizing, mowing, watering, removing plant materials from grounds, and composting.
Pick up litter and empty trash.
Removal of ice and snow from streets, parking lots, sidewalks, steps, and ramps.
Knowledge of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers.
Line athletic fields.
Set up and take down for special events.
Maintain tools and equipment.
Assist Grounds Gardeners in planting flower beds.


Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Any one or combination totaling six (6) months from the categories below:
Coursework or vocational training in horticulture, landscaping, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
Fifteen (15) semester hours equals six (6) months
Work experience in grounds maintenance, landscape maintenance, nursery, agriculture work, grounds construction, and/or tending to lawns, turfs, trees, flowers, bushes or other shrubberies, ornamental plants, and other grounds-related work.
Valid/current driver’s license as required by the State of Illinois for the type of motor vehicles(s) to be operated by the incumbent.


Salary

23.47


Links

Grounds Worker


Contact Information


University/Agency Eastern Illinois University
Department/College Eastern Illinois University Human Resources
Contact Alexandria Thomas
Phone Number 217-581-3463
Address 600 Lincoln Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
Comments Work Hours

The core work hours of this position are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Starting Salary/Pay Rate Range

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the Teamsters collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position, including pay rate.

Application Deadline: February 24, 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 inn