Groundskeeper

Hagerstown Community College; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Hagerstown Community College is seeking a part-time groundskeeper to maintain campus grounds, including lawns, gardens, roadways, sidewalks, bioswales, and athletic fields. The role includes snow removal as needed and involves a mix of independent work and supervision.

This temporary position is up to 29 hours per week and reports to the grounds supervisor. Duties include mowing, pruning, mulching, weed control, leaf removal, trash collection, and outdoor facility upkeep.

Qualifications

• High school diploma supplemented by specialized landscaping training and 3–5 years of grounds experience.
• Advanced landscaping or horticulture training preferred.
• Knowledge of trees, shrubs, and flowers with suitable planting techniques for the area.
• Ability to read, write, follow instructions, and apply safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Mow and edge sidewalks and curbs.
• Prune trees and shrubs.
• Mulch gardens and tree rings.
• Remove weeds and debris from beds and landscaped areas.
• Remove leaves from campus grounds.
• Gather and remove trash from around campus.
• Remove snow from sidewalks, stairs, parking lots, and roadways; apply salt as needed.
• Maintain outdoor athletic facilities with assistance from the Athletics Department.
• Assist with special events and other duties as assigned.
• Remain available for additional assignments during inclement weather or inactivity in groundskeeping.

Skills

Policies & procedures

Tools & equipment operation

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma + landscaping training

Advanced landscaping training

Job description

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The part-time groundskeeper will be responsible for maintaining the condition and appearance of the grounds on campus. This includes lawn areas, gardens, roadways and sidewalks, bioswales, and athletic fields. The groundskeeper will also assist with snow removal as needed. This position involves a combination of independent work and working under the direction of the grounds supervisor.

Please note, this is a temporary, part-time position available for up to 29 hours per week.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to the grounds supervisor and will work closely with other grounds workers at HCC, garden volunteers, and other HCC personnel.

Duties

1. 1. Perform minor mowing and edging of sidewalks and curbs.
2. 2. Prune trees and shrubs.
3. 3. Mulch gardens and tree rings.
4. 4. Remove weeds and unwanted debris from gardens and landscaped areas.
5. 5. Remove leaves from campus grounds.
6. 6. Gather and remove trash from around campus.
7. 7. Remove snow from all sidewalks, stairs, parking lots, and roadways. Apply salt when required.
8. 8. Maintain outdoor athletic facilities with assistance from the Athletic Department.
9. 9. Assist with special events and perform other duties as assigned.
10. 10. During inclement weather and periods of inactivity in groundskeeping operations, remain available for additional assignments from the direct supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. 1. High school diploma supplemented by specialized training in landscaping and three to five years of experience maintaining grounds and outdoor facilities.
2. 2. Advanced training in landscaping or horticulture is preferred.
3. 3. Knowledge of trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as planting and growing techniques suitable for this area.
4. 4. Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety procedures, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. 1. Read, understand, and follow policies and procedures. Follow oral and written directions. Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and sketches.
2. 2. Safely and effectively operate tools and equipment used in the maintenance of buildings and grounds.
3. 3. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
4. 4. Know and safely apply applicable codes and regulations.
5. 5. Maintain simple records and reports and work from oral and written directions.
6. 6. Lift up to 50 pounds without assistance and heavier items with assistance. Perform strenuous manual tasks for extended periods of time in both hot and cold weather.
7. 7. Work independently in the absence of detailed instructions when necessary and work under the direct supervision of the grounds supervisor when required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work requires travel throughout and around campus grounds. The position involves heavy lifting and exposure to bugs, insects, animals, and potentially poisonous plants. This position requires working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.

Certain tasks may require wearing personal protective equipment for extended periods of time, including a helmet, safety glasses, masks or respirators, and gloves. Personal and public safety rules are expected to be followed at all times.