Groundskeeper

Exeter SAU 16; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Groundskeeper at Exeter SAU 16 is responsible for maintaining the school's outdoor areas to keep them safe, welcoming, and visually appealing for students, staff and visitors. This role covers lawns, gardens, athletic fields, and walkways, contributing to a well-maintained campus atmosphere.

The position requires hands-on groundskeeping, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to operate gardening tools and irrigation systems.

Qualifications

• Experience performing lawn mowing, edging, trimming, and basic garden care.
• Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment safely.
• Knowledge of safe handling of chemicals and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform mowing, trimming, edging, watering, fertilizing, and weeding lawns.
• Maintain gardens, trees, shrubs, and flower beds by planting, pruning, and weeding.
• Ensure athletic fields and outdoor facilities are maintained and safe.
• Remove trash and debris from outdoor areas.
• Operate groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and irrigation.
• Set up outdoor spaces for events and monitor hazards.

Skills

Lawn maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety protocols

Irrigation systems

Communication in English

Tools

Lawnmowers

Trimmers

Irrigation equipment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the school district's outdoor areas, ensuring they are safe, clean, and visually appealing. This role plays a key part in ensuring a welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. The Groundskeeper maintains the school's exterior spaces, including lawns, gardens, athletic fields, and walkways, and contributes to an overall positive and well-maintained campus atmosphere.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Perform routine groundskeeping tasks, including mowing, trimming, edging, watering, fertilizing, and weeding lawns.
• Maintain a schedule for the efficient use of time depending on the athletic season and weather factors.
• Maintain gardens, trees, shrubs, and flower beds by planting, pruning, and weeding.
• Ensure athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor facilities are properly maintained and safe.
• Remove trash, debris, and litter from all outdoor areas.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, blowers, and irrigation systems.
• Monitor and maintain proper irrigation system functionality.
• Perform seasonal maintenance, including leaf removal, snow removal, salting, and ice management.
• Maintain and mark athletic fields for games and practices.
• Assist with minor repairs to fences, walkways, benches, and other outdoor structures.
• Follow safety protocols and proper handling of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Set up and prepare outdoor spaces for events and activities.
• Monitor and report any hazards or maintenance needs on school grounds.
• Respond to work orders and maintenance requests in a timely manner.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and watering lawns and gardens.
• Knowledge of sanitation and disinfection procedures to maintain clean and safe outdoor environments.
• Knowledge of how to properly use landscaping tools and equipment, including lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge or familiarity with OSHA standards and handling of hazardous materials (MSDS), including pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals used in groundskeeping.
• Ability to follow oral or written work orders from the supervisor and coordinate work with the school principal, facilities manager, and other staff.
• Skilled in efficiently prioritizing groundskeeping tasks to meet deadlines and ensure proper maintenance of school grounds.
• Skilled in troubleshooting minor repairs or maintenance challenges related to landscaping equipment or outdoor structures (e.g., fences, playground equipment).
• Ability to read, write, and speak (by self or through technological assistance) English fluently for communication and documentation.
• Ability to describe orally or in writing landscaping, maintenance, or repair issues to supervisors, staff, or contractors as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others in the course of work.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations, such as measuring areas, calculating material quantities, or determining irrigation needs.
• Ability to work in poor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow, when performing outdoor tasks.
• Ability to work above ground on ladders or scaffolding when performing tasks such as tree trimming or maintenance of high structures.
• Ability to perform work according to standard procedures, schedules, and safety protocols set forth by supervisors.
• Ability to work independently to complete groundskeeping tasks, while also being a cooperative team member when necessary.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. The job is performed for the most part in an office or school setting with regular exposure to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration. The noise level is that of a typical school, but can be loud depending on the situation. Mental demands requiring decision making, analytical and organizational skills in order to achieve work objectives, draw daily operational conclusions, solve practical problems, use computer technology and to present information for use by administration in making decisions. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for all employees. Accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities or other needs to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. If you require accommodations to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact SAU 16 Human Resources at 603.775.8400 to discuss your needs.