Groundskeeper Lead

Maricopa Unified School District; Maricopa (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Maricopa Unified School District is seeking a Groundskeeper Lead to oversee daily operations of landscaping and athletic crews in Maricopa, Arizona. The role demands hands-on outdoor labor coupled with administrative leadership, ensuring well-maintained and aesthetically appealing grounds.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ professional groundskeeping experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity. Responsibilities encompass team leadership, landscape maintenance, equipment care, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional groundskeeping experience.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or Lead capacity.
• Valid Driver’s License required; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and schedule groundskeeping staff.
• Oversee mowing, edging, pruning, and planting.
• Perform routine maintenance on power tools and heavy machinery.
• Manage and program complex irrigation systems.
• Direct daily workflows for grounds staff.

Skills

Team Leadership

Landscape Maintenance

Equipment Care

Irrigation Management

Integrated Pest Management

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Zero-turn mowers

Tractors

Skid steers

Job description

POSITION: Groundskeeper Lead

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt Classified Based on Experience, 40 hours a week

SALARY: Approved Classified Compensation Plan (Education and Experience)

General Statement Of Responsibilities And Principal Duties

The Groundskeeper Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the landscaping and athletic crews. This role balances hands‑on outdoor labor with administrative leadership, ensuring the grounds are safe, aesthetically pleasing, and well‑maintained year‑round. You will serve as the primary point of contact between management and the field staff. The Lead Groundskeeper is a working supervisor responsible for the aesthetic and functional excellence of the entire district properties. This role manages a crew to maintain high‑traffic turf areas (athletic fields or expansive lawns) while simultaneously ensuring the health and beauty of ornamental beds, seasonal displays, and specimen trees. You will bridge the gap between heavy‑duty landscape operations and athletics.

Principal Duties

• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and schedule groundskeeping staff. Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and maintain high standards of workmanship.
• Landscape Maintenance: Oversee and participate in mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, and planting. Ensure the proper application of fertilizers and pest control.
• Equipment Care: Perform routine maintenance on power tools and heavy machinery (e.g., tractors, zero‑turn mowers, blowers).
• Seasonal Planning: Coordinate cleaning downed trees, leaf collection.
• Inventory & Budgeting: Track supplies, order materials within budget, and provide input on long‑term landscaping improvements.
• Turf Science: Monitor for soil compaction, drainage issues, and turf diseases; implement renovation and overseeding programs.
• Irrigation: Manage and program complex irrigation systems to provide optimal moisture for different zones. Manage and repair irrigation systems and pipe repairs.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Identify and treat pests/diseases specific to ornamental shrubs and trees.
• Crew Supervision: Direct daily workflows for grounds staff; provide on‑site training for equipment use and horticultural techniques.
• Scheduling: Plan and execute weekly maintenance rotations, ensuring both the "big picture" turf and the "fine detail" shrubs are addressed.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce PPE usage and ensure all chemical applications (fertilizers/pesticides) meet local regulations and safety standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional groundskeeping experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or "Lead" capacity.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level operation of zero‑turn mowers, tractors, and skid steers. Mastery of hand tools for fine pruning and topiary work.
• Licenses: Valid Driver’s License required; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain one within 90 days) preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work outdoors in all‑weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
• Education: High School diploma or GED.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Maricopa Unified School District Does Not Discriminate On The Basis Of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Disability, Age Or Sexual Orientation In Admission And Access To Its Programs, Services, Activities, Or In Any Aspect Of Their Operations And Provides Equal Access To The Scouting America And Other Designated Youth Groups. The Maricopa Unified School District Also Does Not Discriminate In Its Hiring Or Employment Practices.