JOBS AT EIU

Extra Help Grounds Worker

Position Summary:
Eastern Illinois University’s Department of Facilities, Planning, and Management seeks to hire an extra-help, part-time, temporary Grounds Worker position . Under direct supervision from a designated supervisor, this position performs grounds maintenance or construction such as planting, transplanting, fertilizing, spraying, watering, pruning, mowing lawns, turfs, and otherwise tending to lawns, turfs, trees, flowers, bushes, or other shrubberies, ornamental plants, and snow removal.

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.
• Performs other grounds related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or combination totaling six (6) months from the categories below:
   1. 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
   2. 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
3. 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.
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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: $18.00 - 20.00/hr

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:

To apply, you may submit a completed application, resume, and references online. We maintain a pool of applicants to fill non-student temporary extra help positions as needed.

Benefits Overview:

This is a part-time, extra help position and not eligible for benefits. 

Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equal 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 employment@eiu.edu for assistance.