Grounds Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Benton (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Colby College in Benton, Maine, seeks a Grounds Specialist to maintain campus grounds and support events. The position entails lawn care, trail maintenance, and safely operating grounds equipment.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, experience in a similar role, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include physical labor in various weather conditions, ensuring the campus remains inviting and functional.

This full-time position includes benefits and supports inclusive employment practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in similar grounds position is strongly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College's Fleet Safety Policy.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the College grounds including mowing and lawn care.
• Support events and set up facilities as needed.
• Safely operate grounds department equipment.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Communication skills

Physical labor

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawn mowers

Tractors

Forklift

Job description

Job Description

Colby’s campus comprises 714 acres including a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields. Most of Mayflower Hill, including all of the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, is a State Wildlife Management Area. Johnson Pond, the Campbell Trails for running and cross‑country skiing, a student‑run organic garden, and vast areas of wide‑open space provide reasons to enjoy Colby’s campus year‑round.

Position Overview

The grounds specialist position will perform the tasks necessary to maintain the College grounds, support campus events, perform moving, and set‑ups as required. This is a full‑time position with benefits.

Essential Functions

• Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal.
• Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new plantings, mulching, signage, and other small projects.
• Set up facilities for college events and provide necessary support.
• Move furniture and other materials on campus and within the local area.
• Perform work to properly maintain athletic facilities including the lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations.
• Complete manual tasks as required to meet the needs of the College, such as digging, shoveling, lifting, pushing, and similar tasks requiring physical labor.
• Properly and safely operate grounds department equipment, as assigned by the supervisor, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat.
• Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all grounds equipment.
• Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditions.
• Oversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to college standards.
• Properly and safely operate all handheld equipment including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc.
• Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury to self and others and to prevent damage to any material, equipment, or property, and to follow all prescribed safety rules and procedures.
• Safely operate tools and equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnel.
• Communicate effectively and personably with a diverse community of people.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Independently respond to work order and requests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post‑secondary education are a plus.
• Experience working in a similar grounds position is strongly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements.
• Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as adjust as new projects are assigned.
• Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community.
• Solid communication skills in order to work collaboratively with members of a diverse community and to provide excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications or Skills

• Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule.
• Prior experience in using equipment, including aerial lifts, chipper, chipper truck, pickup truck, hauling equipment, utility vehicle, stump grinder, chain saw, pole saw, hand saw, pruner, skid steer, personal protective equipment, blower, fertilizer, pesticides.
• Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements.
• Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment.
• This position requires the ability to work outdoors for 8 hours a day and more during a weather event.
• This position requires the ability to be exposed to nature’s elements – sun, wind, rain, and snow, temperature extremes.
• Must communicate effectively written and verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical/Mental Demands

• Handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
• Work on varied timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
• Interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations, presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times.
• Include regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
• Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.
• Physical requirements differ by position; most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirement: ability to see clearly at close and far distances and adjust focus as needed.
• Work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects requiring shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
• Noise level is generally moderate; occasional moments of louder sounds may occur depending on campus activity.