Groundskeeper - Trees/Grounds Division

Town of Acton, MA; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Acton is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper in the Department of Public Works. Responsibilities include operating landscape and tree maintenance equipment, applying pesticides/fertilizers, and assisting with projects and emergencies.

Supervising seasonal staff and performing other manual tasks are part of the role. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED and one year of arboriculture/landscaping or related equipment experience; valid MA driver's license and several

Qualifications

• High school education or GED equivalency required with a minimum of one year experience in arboriculture/landscaping or similar equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain mowing, landscaping, roadside, and tree work equipment.
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers as required.
• Install and maintain trees and landscape features.
• Supervise and train seasonal/part-time staff.
• Perform emergency response duties including storm damage and snow/ice removal.
• Handle heavy lifting up to 100+ pounds as needed.
• Collect and dispose of animal carcasses from town property; perform routine manual labor.

Education

Driver's License

Massachusetts Core Pesticide Applicator’s License

Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 2 B

Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 4 G

OSHA-10

CDL Class B endorsement

Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 37 (Turf)

Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 40 (Right of Way)

Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 36 (Shade Trees & Ornamentals)

Job description

The Town of Acton is seeking a full-time benefitted position of Groundskeeper within the Department of Public Works, reporting to the DPW Foreman/Tree Warden.

Duties

Operation and maintenance of mowing, landscaping, roadside, and tree work equipment, pesticide and fertilizer applications, all phases of tree and landscape installation and maintenance. Assist with functional supervision and training of seasonal and part-time employees. Assists other divisions as directed. Must be available for emergencies, such as, but not limited to, storm damage and snow/ice removal. Requires heavy lifting up to, and may exceed, 100 pounds. Performs other duties as required including collecting and disposing of animal carcasses from town property and manual labor.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

High school education or GED equivalency required with a minimum of one (1) year experience working in arboriculture/landscaping or other similar work and equipment operation experience.

Certifications/Licenses

Must possess valid Driver’s License. Massachusetts Core Pesticide Applicator’s License, Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 2 B or greater, Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 4 G (specialty lawn mower), and OSHA-10 or able to obtain within one (1) year or by the next available testing period, whichever comes first.

Preferred Qualifications

CDL Class B endorsement or greater with an airbrake license, Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 2A/1C or greater Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 37 (Turf), Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 40 (Right of Way), Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate 36 (Shade Trees & Ornamentals), Experience and knowledge of the principles and practices involved in public works.

Salary

A-3 - $27.7953-$31.0219/hour, $57,814.12-$64,525.50/annually.

Applications must be received no later than November 2, 2026.

Acton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.