Grounds Maintenance & Equipment Operator

The Henry Ford; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry Ford is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Utility to uphold outdoor spaces and facilities, including lawns, gardens, and equipment areas. You will operate mowers, lifts, and heavy machinery, perform irrigation checks, and support seasonal cleanup tasks in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and experience in groundskeeping or outdoor labor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• A valid driver’s license required (CDL preferred but not required).
• Eighteen (18) years or older.
• Experience in commercial groundskeeping, landscaping, outdoor labor, or equipment operation preferred.
• Basic understanding of lawn care, landscaping practices, and safe equipment use.
• Certification in aerial lift operation (e.g., boom lift or scissor lift certification) preferred.
• Heavy equipment operator certification or documented training preferred.
• Pesticide Applicator License if duties include chemical application.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, fields, and landscaped areas, including mowing, edging, trimming, raking, watering, fertilizing, plowing and planting.
• Remove debris, litter, trash and fallen branches from walkways, parking lots, and outdoor areas.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, and utility vehicles.
• Operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts, including skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, snowplows and other large equipment.
• Perform safe setup, operation, and shutdown procedures for all heavy machinery and aerial lifts.
• Assist and maintain irrigation operation, perform system checks, repairs, and adjustments.
• Perform basic landscape tasks such as mulching, pruning shrubs, and removing weeds.
• Perform seasonal tasks such as snow removal, ice control, leaf removal, and storm cleanup.
• Set up and break down equipment for special events, outdoor activities, and daily programs.
• Inspect grounds and report hazards, damage, or repair needs to supervisors.
• Follow all safety protocols and use appropriate PPE.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Attention to detail

Safe heavy-equipment operation

Follow instructions

Independent or team worker

Basic mechanical skills

Good communication

Safety awareness

Proven ability to build relationships

Service-minded attitude

Education

High school diploma preferred

Job description

The Henry Ford is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Utility to uphold outdoor spaces and facilities, including lawns, gardens, and equipment areas. You will operate mowers, lifts, and heavy machinery, perform irrigation checks, and support seasonal cleanup tasks in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and experience in groundskeeping or outdoor labor.