Groundskeeper N1

NNMC Northern New Mexico College; New Mexico; On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

NNMC Northern New Mexico College in New Mexico is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain campus landscapes, irrigation systems, and outdoor spaces. Under supervision, you will operate lawn equipment, perform routine maintenance, and assist with events setup while prioritizing safety and efficiency.

You should have a High School Diploma or GED, two years in groundskeeping, and a valid driver's license. This full-time, non-exempt role offers 40 hours weekly and a stable work environment on campus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of groundskeeping experience preferred.
• Valid motor vehicle license is required.
• Customer-service oriented and reliable.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate dedication to job performance and complete tasks as assigned.
• Operate groundskeeping equipment (mowers, tractors, snow blowers, clippers) and hand tools.
• Mow or edge lawns and maintain flower beds.
• Shovel snow, spread salt, and maintain walkways.
• Assist with small repairs and setup for events.
• Groom and prune trees, shrubs, and hedges; remove litter.
• Prepare outdoor locations for visitors and campus operations.
• Maintain irrigation systems and monitor for leaks; program controllers.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Safety procedures

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Mowers and tractors

Irrigation systems

Job description

Compensation: $16.55/hour Compensation Type: Non-Exempt Employment Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Grade: Department: Building and Facilities

Position Summary Under supervision and direction, performs a variety of routine, semi-skilled work in the maintenance, care, and modification of College grounds, landscapes, structures, and irrigation systems, which include the operation of electrically-powered and gas-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines, and the use of small hand and power tools or equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate dedication to job performance and complete tasks as assigned
• Accept direction and guidance from supervisory personnel
• Maintain clear and concise communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Maintain a clean appearance
• Adhere to work schedule
• Report any potential safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor
• Be flexible in adjusting to maintenance routines based on changing needs or unexpected situations.
• Assist facilities team with small repairs, cleaning common areas, moving furniture, setting up for events, and preparing outdoor spaces.
• Operate vehicles and electrically-powered and gas-powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, snow blowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws.
• Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
• Shovel snow from sidewalks, driveways, or parking lots and spread salt in those areas.
• Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, sidewalks, or walls.
• Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
• Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chainsaws.
• Gather and remove litter.
• Maintain or repair tools, equipment, or structures, such as buildings, greenhouses, fences, or benches, using hand or power tools.
• Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
• Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, burial sites, or other grounds features
• Ensure grounds maintenance equipment and building maintenance equipment are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment, and machines within reasonable capabilities
• Provide a record of grounds and landscape watering and chemical spraying by keeping daily logs of areas watered and duration of watering and the application of chemicals, including areas sprayed, amount and type of chemical used, and substances sprayed and the reason.
• Prepare outdoor locations for use by visitors, vendors, and the public as needed by campus operations, and if applicable, marking parking lots and sitting up tents, tables, and seating.
• Install irrigation systems, modify existing ones, and assist with system design to ensure proper layout and coverage.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems by checking for leaks, replacing sprinkler heads and other parts, and repairing plumbing and electrical issues.
• Program controllers and timers, test systems for proper function, and make adjustments as needed.
• Cut, shape, and mix materials such as brick, concrete, and stone.
• Contributes to the overall success of the campus by performing all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two years of experience in groundskeeping
• Valid motor vehicle license
• Customer-service oriented

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in sprinkler systems components, design, and installation
• Experience in masonry or related field
• Experience operating tools and heavy equipment used for installation and repair.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Ability to manage time and schedules
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written
• Ability to complete routine paperwork
• Ability to read English language sufficiently to understand written work orders and instructions as well as directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of cleaners, solvents, chemicals, fertilizers, and similar products used in groundskeeping
• Ability to properly operate and maintain grounds maintenance tools, equipment, and machinery
• Ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of various construction materials, including different types of stone, brick, concrete, and their appropriate uses.
• Skill in using various tools such as chisels, levels, saws, and power tools.
• Knowledge of irrigation components, controllers, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with irrigation systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily outdoors, year round, with occasional indoor tasks during inclement weather Work environment involves some exposure to and use of chemical compounds, which may be hazardous and cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, application, use, and disposal/storage are not properly followed Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate manual, electrically-powered, and gas-powered equipment and machines Prolonged walking or standing, bending and stooping, and climbing ladders Frequent moving and lifting up to 50 pounds Occasionally move and lift more than 80 pounds

Best consideration date: November 26, 2026

EEO STATEMENT

NNMC is an equal opportunity employer.

Mission

Our mission is to support student success by providing access to affordable, community-based learning opportunities that meet the educational, cultural and economic needs of the region.

Vision

As a Hispanic- and Indigenous-serving institution, sustained by place, culture, and innovation - Northern is a beacon of higher education for all students, igniting minds to create vibrant futures.

The Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS) supports independently governed member colleges by sharing tools, talent, and best practices so that we are laser focused on providing a world-class student experience leading to success for all students.