Campus Horticulturist & Grounds Specialist

Germantown Friends School; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Germantown Friends School seeks a full-time experienced Horticulturalist responsible for maintaining all landscaping and outdoor common areas. Staff are considered essential and must be available for emergencies such as flooding, snow, and ice.

The role includes managing plant databases, irrigation systems, mulch installation, and coordinating with contractors. Qualifications include a horticulture degree or equivalent experience, 3–4 years of landscape equipment knowledge, and a valid driver's

Qualifications

• Degree in horticulture or work experience commensurate with role.
• Three to four years of experience and fundamental knowledge of landscape equipment.
• Ability to identify evergreen and deciduous shrubs.
• Understanding of correct pruning and mulching practices.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be insurable.
• Background check is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, update tree and plant database documents for the Betty Cary Arboretum.
• Edge and mow grass regularly to prevent overgrowth on the campus.
• Maintain all planting beds on Main Campus: pruning, pulling, and keeping weeds to a minimum.
• Perform minor and routine maintenance on all grounds equipment.
• Keep all school campus grounds clean and orderly condition.
• Pick up and dispose of litter and rake leaves daily throughout the property collectively with the grounds team.
• Maintain all other landscapes and outdoor common areas on campus.
• Plant and maintain the plant containers on campus.
• Maintain wood carpet levels in all playgrounds regarding safety.
• Mulch to be completed in all planting areas as appropriate.
• Order tools and supplies and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Maintain and repair irrigation systems.
• Collaborate with landscaping contractors to assist and direct their tasks.
• Maintain and clean drain catch basins.
• Maintain, inspect, and update stormwater retention basins records.
• Maintain plants on campus green roofs.
• Apply fertilizer, chemicals, seed, and top dressing for all the landscaping on campus.
• Provide aid during weather emergencies for snow and ice removal.
• Climb ladder up to 40 feet in height.
• Conduct daily maintenance checks on ground equipment to ensure everything is in working order and good repair.
• Maintain grounds equipment maintenance records.
• Assists with special events set-up and break down on campus.
• Operate snowplows, tractors, front end loader, spreaders, aerators, rollers, mowers, rotary mowers, walk behind mowers, zero turn mowers, hedge trimmers, and string trimmers.
• Perform daily assignments and projects set by the department supervisor.
• Stay in direct contact with the department supervisor and report any maintenance problems in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Operate machinery

Education

Degree in horticulture

Tools

MS Office

School Dude (Brightly)

Job description

Germantown Friends School seeks a full-time experienced Horticulturalist responsible for maintaining all landscaping and outdoor common areas. Staff are considered essential and must be available for emergencies such as flooding, snow, and ice.

The role includes managing plant databases, irrigation systems, mulch installation, and coordinating with contractors. Qualifications include a horticulture degree or equivalent experience, 3–4 years of landscape equipment knowledge, and a valid driver's