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We Are:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are over 2,000 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.
Fermilab's Infrastructure Services Division seeks a highly motivated Groundskeeper to join the Grounds Maintenance Group in the Roads & Grounds Department. Under direct supervision, you will perform tasks to maintain Fermilab site roads, grounds and related facilities.
You Will:
- Perform landscape maintenance activities including mowing, trimming, pruning, plant care, pesticide application, fertilizing, and snow removal.
- Complete landscaping repairs which may require hauling, spreading, and seeding of topsoil, and installation of erosion control materials.
- Execute tree removal with the use of chain saws, chippers, and stump grinders.
- Maintain the underground storm water drainage systems, including cleaning, repairing, and replacing culverts, catch basins, and drainage tiles.
- Participate in maintaining the resident herd of bison and assists with wildlife capture and control activities.
- Occasionally participate in prairie and woodland restoration activities including prescribed fire management, and the control of invasive plants using herbicides.
- Perform heavy physical labor.
- Occasionally work mandatory overtime
We Are Looking For:
- A candidate with a valid driver's license
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 2 or more years of grounds-keeping experience
- Previous experience in landscape construction and maintenance, or heavy equipment operations and maintenance, or formal training or experience in ornamental horticulture is highly desirable.
- Excellence in performing aerial tree removal and tree care is highly desirable.
- Previous Experience in operating machinery and heavy equipment for snow removal operations; Must be available to respond promptly to snow removal at all hours.
- Proficiency in heavy equipment operations and maintenance.
- Ability and willingness to obtain a Class A or Class B Illinois Commercial Driver's License.
- Pesticide application knowledge and experience; Ability and willingness to obtain a pesticide operator's license.
- Formal training or experience in restoration ecology. Ability and willingness to obtain NWCG S130 & S190 basic wildfire training or equivalent.
- Basic computer skills (MS Office).
- Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a group setting.
- Ability to abide by all environment, safety and health regulations.
- Willingness to respect, understand and value individual differences that embody laboratory principles of diversity and inclusion.
Physical Activity and Work Conditions
- Human Factors: Heavy Lifting, Heights, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Vibrating Equipment, Work Outdoors
- Chemical Factors: Combustion Engines, Pesticides
- Physical Factors: Environment (Cold/Hot/Wet/Dry), High Noise Level
- Personal Protection Equipment: Protection (Eye/Face/Foot/Hand/Hearing)
- Biological Factors: Animals, Insects, Poisonous Plants
Relocation Assistance, Employee Referral Bonus and Visa Assistance will not be offered for this position.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
The selected applicant will be required to complete a satisfactory background check & motor vehicle report, drug screening, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration query (FMCSA).
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/ Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply