Assistant Lead Groundskeeper

University of New England; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 43,200 - 52,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan options

8% retirement plan match

Tuition waiver for employee

Job summary

The University of New England in Maine is seeking an Assistant Lead Groundskeeper to support grounds and landscaping operations, including heavy equipment operation, snow removal, and athletic field maintenance. This is a first-shift role, Monday–Friday, with flexibility for evenings and weekends to support events and storms.

Work with the Grounds & Landscaping Operations Supervisor to maintain lawns, plant beds, sidewalks, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of two years of formal or informal grounds maintenance experience.
• Working knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Maine Board of Pesticides Control Commercial Applicator License preferred.
• Basic trade skills, mechanical and technological aptitude.
• Proficiency in operating hand tools, power equipment, and grounds maintenance machinery.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds, mowing, weed control, edging, and general upkeep.
• Operate heavy equipment and snow removal machinery during winter and special events.
• Maintain athletic fields and landscapes, including planting and seasonal bed care.
• Assist with basic construction and site improvement tasks as needed.
• Train and guide staff, and coordinate daily work orders under supervision.

Skills

Grounds maintenance experience

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Proficiency with hand tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Commercial Applicator License preferred

Tools

Heavy machinery

Power tools

Job description

The Assistant Lead Groundskeeper helps maintain University grounds and performs specialized grounds maintenance functions, including heavy equipment operation, snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and repair of grounds equipment and tools. This position assists the Grounds & Landscaping Operations Supervisor.

This position is primarily a first-shift, Monday – Friday role. Flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, and respond to winter storm events and University event schedule as needed.

Compensation is $24.00 per hour (equivalent to $ 49,920 annually).

About The University of New England
UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits:
  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners
• Maintain campus grounds during the growing season by:
  • Mowing, aerating, applying top soil, seeding and fertilizing lawns
  • Weed whacking, edging, sweeping
  • Planting, watering, mulching, fertilizing and weeding flower, shrub, and tree beds
• Raking, pruning, gutter and drain cleaning; stormwater maintenance
• Removing snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and roadways
• Operating snow blowers, plows, and other snow removal equipment
• Applying salt and sand
• Assisting in the coordination of snow removal response

• Equipm ent Operation and Maintenance

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate and maintain hand tools, power equipment, and heavy machinery used in grounds maintenance.
• Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and specialized servicing of grounds equipment.
• Assist with troubleshooting and rebuilding tools and equipment as necessary.

• Specialized Grounds Functions

Specialized Grounds Functions

• Maintain athletic fields, artificial turf
• Maintain areas of wetlands, beachfront, waterfront and docks
• Assist in completing tasks and initiatives related to the University’s mission of Sustainability including recycling, trash cleanup, composting, special plantings, community gardens

• Construction and Facilities Support

Construction and Facilities Support

• Assist with basic construction and site improvement projects, including ditch digging, concrete work, asphalt application, fence and sign installation

• Leadership and Supervision

Leadership and Supervision

• Assist in training, guiding and directing.
• Assign and monitor daily work order activities.
• Support the Grounds & Landscaping Operations Supervisor

• Safety and Compliance

Safety and Compliance

• Complete all required initial and annual safety and regulatory compliance training.
• Comply with all occupational safety and health policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Immediately report hazards, unsafe work practices, injuries, and accidents to a supervisor.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Qualifications

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of two years of formal or informal grounds maintenance experience.
• Working knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Maine Board of Pesticides Control Commercial Applicator License preferred.
• Basic trade skills, mechanical and technological aptitude.
• Proficiency in operating hand tools, power equipment, and grounds maintenance machinery.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $24.00

Posting Number

Posting Number 2022PS0932P

Open Date

Open Date 06/29/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).