Grounds Specialist

Colby College; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Colby College is seeking a Grounds Specialist to maintain its 714-acre campus in Waterville, Maine. Responsibilities include ground maintenance, supporting campus events, and performing manual tasks. The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have grounds maintenance experience, and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical ability to lift heavy materials and work in various weather conditions is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience in a similar ground position is strongly desired.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the college grounds, including mowing and snow removal.
• Support campus projects like mulching and signage.
• Set up facilities for college events.

Skills

Experience in grounds maintenance

Solid communication skills

Ability to lift up to 60 pounds

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grounds-department equipment

Chain saws

Mowers

Job description

The Grounds Specialist will maintain the 714‑acre Colby College campus, support campus events, and perform moving and set‑ups as required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the College grounds, including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal.
• Support projects that enhance the campus, such as 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.
• Maintain athletic facilities, including lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations.
• Perform manual tasks such as digging, shoveling, lifting, and pushing to meet the needs of the College.
• Operate grounds‑department equipment safely, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat.
• Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground’s equipment.
• Work in excavations or trenches; from ladders, scaffolds, or trees; and in all weather conditions.
• Oversee periodic assignments of students and summer employees to ensure work meets College standards.
• Operate handheld equipment safely, including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc.
• Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury and damage and follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Independently respond to work orders and requests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties may change at any time without notice.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post‑secondary education is a plus.
• Experience in a similar ground 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.
• Solid communication skills to work collaboratively with a diverse community and provide excellent customer service.
• Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete a tree‑work schedule.
• Prior experience with equipment such as aerial lifts, chippers, trucks, hauling equipment, utility vehicles, stump grinders, chain saws, pole saws, hand saws, pruners, skid steers, PROTs, blowers, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors 8 hours a day and more during weather events.
• Ability to be exposed to nature’s elements: sun, wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with supervisors and the general public.

NOTE: Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants.