Groundskeeper (Grounds Maintenance Worker 1)

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Groundskeeper

Grounds Maintenance Worker 1

Do you enjoy working outdoors and keeping landscapes beautiful? The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is looking for a Groundskeeper to maintain the grounds of state properties, including the Capitol Mall in Salem. You’ll help keep lawns, plants, and outdoor areas healthy and safe for everyone.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and maintain grounds equipment (mowers, blowers, tractors, etc.) and perform routine repairs.

• Mow lawns, trim edges, and apply pesticides and herbicides safely.

• Plant, prune, fertilize, and weed landscaped areas.

• Remove leaves, debris, and maintain turf and planting beds.

• Maintain and repair irrigation systems.

• Perform safety inspections, remove litter, and maintain sidewalks and roadways.

• Remove snow and ice during winter weather.

• Track supplies and assist with wildlife control, special events, and emergency tasks.

Working Conditions

• You will work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.

• Expect moderate to heavy physical activity as part of daily tasks.

• Travel is required between locations in Salem, Eugene, and Portland.

• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.

• Hearing protection is provided and must be worn when noise levels reach 85 dBA or higher.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection and respirators is provided and must be worn as required by OR-OSHA rules and DAS policies. If respirators are required, you must have a clean-shaven face for proper fit.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

Two (2) years of landscape experience;

OR

An associates degree in landscape technology, horticulture, turf management or closely related field AND six (6) months of landscape experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.

Desired Attributes

• Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment (mowers, tractors, blowers, chainsaws, etc.).

• Basic repair and maintenance skills for equipment.

• Knowledge of plant care, pruning, and applying fertilizers and pesticides.

• Strong safety awareness and ability to conduct inspections.

• Good organization and time management skills.

• Problem-solving ability for maintenance issues.

• Team player with good communication skills.

• Customer service skills for interacting with the public.

• Preference may be giving to candidates with any of the following:

  • Current ISA Certified Arborist.

  • Valid Pesticide License.

  • Experience in small engine mechanics and repair.

  • Experience in welding and metal fabrication.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team?

• External Applicants: Click “Apply” on the job posting to submit your application.

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

Important Application Requirements: All applicants must submit a current resume. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. Applications submitted without a resume may not be reviewed.

Why DAS?

At DAS, our people make the difference. Every team member brings unique skills and perspectives, and we respect and celebrate those differences. When you join DAS, you’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a team that works together to make Oregon better.

Our amazing benefits include: 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare. 

• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service. 

• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). 

• Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being. 

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. 

• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one permanent, full-time, SEIU-represented Grounds Maintenance Worker 1 and may be used to fill other vacancies.

• *The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%.

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check including fingerprints. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.

• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

• Recruiter: Cassie Graham

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (text friendly): 503-949-6169

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!

The Department of Administrative Services is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity. At the Department of Administrative Services, we embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.