Groundskeeper

Adirondack Watershed Institute; Paul Smiths (NY); On-site; USD 26,139 - 37,229; Full time

Job summary

Adirondack Watershed Institute is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus facilities and grounds in Paul Smiths, New York. This role includes landscaping, snow removal, and general maintenance across various campus locations.

The ideal candidate will have prior groundskeeping experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Regular, full-time employment involves a commitment to safety and operational standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 years of groundskeeping or landscaping experience.
• Experience with tools and equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Mow lawns and maintain landscaped areas.
• Operate grounds equipment including mowers and tractors.
• Remove snow and ice from walkways and entrances.

Skills

Landscaping

Communication skills

Organization skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Position

Groundskeeper

Status

Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Department

Campus Operations

Reports to

Operations & Student Work Director

Salary

$23.00/hour

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts will be determined between the hours of 5:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Description

The Groundskeeper is responsible for supporting the safe, clean, attractive, and functional operation of campus facilities and grounds. This position performs landscaping, snow removal, event support, and general campus upkeep across academic, residential, athletic, and administrative buildings. The role supports the college’s mission by maintaining campus infrastructure and appearance in accordance with Paul Smith's College safety, operational, and customer service standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim shrubs, edge sidewalks and maintain landscaped areas.
• Plant, water, fertilize, weed, and maintain flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs.
• Operate grounds equipment including mowers, tractors, trimmers, blowers, snow blowers, and utility vehicles.
• Maintain athletic fields and outdoor event spaces.
• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, roads, parking lots, and building entrances.
• Apply salt, sand, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in compliance with safety regulations.
• Assist with preventative maintenance work orders as needed.
• Monitor campus grounds and report safety hazards, maintenance concerns, or repair needs.
• Support emergency maintenance response activities as needed.
• Follow all OSHA, PPE, chemical handling, and campus safety procedures.
• Maintain tools and equipment in proper working order.
• Set up and break down tables, chairs, staging, and equipment for campus events.
• Complete assigned work orders and documentation accurately and timely.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Operations & Student Work Director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 years of facilities, groundskeeping, landscaping, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and fleet vehicles safely.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.
• Active driver’s license and driving record acceptable to our insurance carrier.

Physical Requirements

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in an academic and residential campus environment.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather in varying conditions, chemicals, dust, noise, and mechanical equipment.
• Noise related to mechanical equipment and tools including vibrations should be expected.
• Working spaces may be crowded based on traffic and equipment configuration.

Lifting and Carrying

• Ability to lift 50 - 75 lbs.
• Routine lifting between 10-35 lbs.

Mobility

• Perform physically active work including bending, walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.
• Occasional need to reach overhead to perform work duties.
• Utilize mobility assistive devices and equipment as necessary.

Dexterity and Hand‑Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to safely handle tools and operate grounds equipment.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision and hearing, with corrective or assistive devices as necessary, to safely monitor campus grounds and operate machinery.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.