Groundskeeper

Salem School District; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem School District is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain the school grounds in excellent condition, ensuring a neat appearance throughout the district. Responsibilities include all-season care, snow removal, and equipment maintenance, with an emphasis on safety and effective communication.

The ideal candidate should possess a valid New Hampshire driver's license and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as in a team. The position requires physical strength to perform various tasks safely in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge of methods, chemicals, and equipment used in grounds maintenance.
• Physical capability to lift and move heavy items up to 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain school grounds for neat and groomed appearance.
• Perform snow and ice removal tasks.
• Serve as backup driver for transport and delivery needs.

Skills

Ability to handle motorized equipment

Grounds maintenance knowledge

Effective communication

Education

Valid State of New Hampshire driver's license

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Job description

DEFINITION

Groundskeeper will demonstrate ability to handle motorized equipment and to perform tasks associated with the position. Groundskeeper will have ability to read, write and to follow written and oral instructions as directed by maintenance and grounds supervisors. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as may be found acceptable and appropriate.

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

To help maintain the school grounds within the district in a condition of excellence so that full use of the areas may be made at all time, and the grounds present a neat and well-groomed appearance. Grounds can include all surfaces (indoor and outdoor), maintenance tasks and are throughout the district under the supervision and direction from the Director of Maintenance and Custodial Services (facilities).

Position Duties

Grounds & Landscape Maintenance

• All-Season Care: Maintain all front-of-house areas, walkways, playgrounds, athletic fields (turf and grass), ropes courses, and driveways.
• Cultivation & Planting: Till soil, fertilize, and plant seeds, bulbs, trees, and shrubs.
• Vegetation Control: Mow lawns, prune trees, trim shrubs, and manage watering schedules.
• Pest Control: Inspect plants for pests or fungi and safely apply chemical treatments.

Facilities & Winter Operations

• Snow & Ice Removal: Shovel walkways, clear driveways using heavy equipment, and apply sand.
• Waste Management: Collect and dispose of daily outdoor refuse.
• Indoor Winter Support: Pivot to indoor custodial duties and equipment overhaul during winter months.

Equipment & Infrastructure Repair

• Tool Maintenance: Inspect, adjust, and repair mowers, tractors, sprinklers, and small engines.
• Property Repairs: Clean, fix and position outdoor benches and other exterior structures as needed.

Safety & Team Support

• Hazard Prevention: Inspect grounds frequently, report dangers, and fill holes quickly to ensure public safety.
• Logistics Assistance: Serve as a backup driver or assistant to support transport and delivery needs and assist maintenance team as requested and directed by Athletics department and maintenance or grounds supervisors.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and skills listed. A valid State of New Hampshire driver's license with no restrictions. This position is subject to 180-day probationary period.

Knowledge Of

• Methods, chemicals, and equipment used in caring of grounds, flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Equipment, materials and supplies used in grounds maintenance.
• Pest activity and pesticide applications.

Ability To

• Read and understand signs, labels and work schedules.
• Write and enter information on records.
• Operate machines and other tools and equipment properly, safely, and efficiently.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, staff and visitors.
• Work independently as well as in a team atmosphere and to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and working described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. Duties require frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic chemicals. Employees are required to work on weekends as needed. Must be available to in all weather conditions for work night, weekend and holiday shifts. On night, weekend or holiday shifts as assigned, may be required to work alone. On such assignments, within established policies and procedures, incumbents of this position are expected to work with considerable initiative and independent judgment in identifying and taking corrective action on the more routine problems. Emergency complex problems occurring during such assignments are referred to appropriate higher level building maintenance staff. Employees may need to travel to alternate work locations and work in all weather.

Hours

6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.