Landscape & Grounds Technician

Working Title

Landscape & Grounds Technician

Posting Number

CSA02725P

Department

SDSU-Facilities & Services-Landscape & Grounds

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

We are looking for a team member to help maintain the overall appearance and functionality of campus outdoor areas. This position supports seasonal maintenance needs, assists with plant care, and helps manage various outdoor tasks throughout the year. The role also involves operating a range of equipment and handling materials as needed to support daily operations.

This position is located in Brookings, SD

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.Job Responsibilities: Maintain campus landscape, grounds, signage, parking lots and streets. Provide snow/ice removal services as well as sand and ice melt applications. Plant shrubs and perennial plants. Plant, remove, and prune trees. Load and move materials such as sand, rock, dirt, and snow. Operate various types of equipment such as pay loaders, skid steers, small to large tractors, pickups with blades, dump trucks, lawn mowers and specialized turf equipment such as over seeders, sprayers, and aerators.

Benefits

*:*

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits

including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of:* Landscape, turf, and tree maintenance * Winter maintenance activities * Preventative equipment maintenance and repairs

Skill & Ability to:* Operate dump trucks, pay-loaders, mowers, skid-steers, tractors, and specialized turf and spray equipment. * Perform tree maintenance. * Communicate effectively. * Work in various weather conditions * Work safely with a willingness to learn. * Work independently as well as contribute positively in a team environment. * Work weekends, holidays, and early morning hours during snow removal season.

Required License

* Valid Driver’s License * CDL – Class B with airbrakes endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. * Pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

*:* * Previous landscaping, turf, or tree maintenance experience. * Experience operating industry specific equipment. * Experience with irrigation maintenance and operations.

Application Procedures

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

[SE8242; 80912]

Posting Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

06/22/2026

Advertised Salary

Starting at $21.41/hr., depending upon qualifications, plus benefits

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

7am-4pm M-F with additional hours during snow removal season.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

CDL with enhancements, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other

If other, please indicate

Pesticide Applicator's License, possible frequent weekends/holidays, and additional hours during snow removal season.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.