Landscape Maintenance Staff Member

GardaWorld Federal Services; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 31,684 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services is hiring for a full-time grounds maintenance position in Surprise, AZ. The role involves maintaining the exterior grounds of a secure detention facility, performing landscaping duties, and ensuring a clean and safe environment.

Candidates must have at least one year of relevant experience, a high school diploma, and be able to operate landscaping equipment safely. The position requires attention to detail and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in commercial or government grounds maintenance.
• Ability to read site maps and landscaping plans.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, and outdoor spaces.
• Operate landscaping equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine groundskeeping activities such as mowing and trimming.

Skills

Landscaping techniques

Communication skills

Ability to operate landscaping equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawn mowers

Weed trimmers

Chainsaws

Job description

Position Information

Location: Surprise, AZ

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Travel Requirement: No

Teleworking: No

Pay: $23.43/hr. ($18.34/hr. base rate + $5.09 H&W)

• Pay rates listed reflect the full rate for this position, including both the base pay and health and welfare benefits in accordance with applicable requirements. Pay is based on numerous factors including market location and may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Note: We are currently building a pipeline for this role, with an expected start date of later this year

Position Summary – Duties and Requirements

Position Overview

In this role, you will maintain the detention facility’s exterior grounds, landscaping features, walkways, parking areas, and outdoor operational spaces to ensure a safe, clean, secure, and professional environment. You will support daily groundskeeping and exterior maintenance operations by performing landscaping, vegetation control, seasonal maintenance, and general outdoor upkeep activities in accordance with facility standards and safety procedures. This position requires attention to detail, physical stamina, the ability to operate landscaping equipment safely, and the ability to work in varying weather conditions within a secure detention environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, parking lots, sidewalks, fencing lines, recreation yards, and exterior operational spaces throughout the detention facility property.
• Operate landscaping equipment including lawn mowers, weed trimmers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and irrigation tools safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine groundskeeping activities including mowing, trimming, pruning, weed removal, debris cleanup, and vegetation control to maintain facility appearance and safety.
• Inspect exterior areas for maintenance concerns, drainage issues, damaged landscaping features, trip hazards, or security‑related concerns and report deficiencies to supervisory personnel.
• Assist with seasonal maintenance operations including snow removal, ice treatment, storm cleanup, irrigation maintenance, and weather‑related groundskeeping activities.
• Maintain accountability for landscaping tools, fuel supplies, operational equipment, fertilizers, and maintenance materials while reporting shortages or damaged equipment.
• Support exterior beautification projects and ensure all outdoor areas remain organized, presentable, and compliant with operational standards.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel, detention staff, and facility leadership regarding restricted areas, scheduled landscaping projects, and operational concerns.
• Follow all workplace safety procedures related to landscaping equipment operation, chemical handling, environmental hazards, and outdoor maintenance activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of landscaping storage areas, maintenance sheds, and equipment workspaces at all times.
• Assist with facility‑wide maintenance support activities and special projects as assigned by supervisory personnel.
• Maintain professionalism, strong work ethic, and effective communication while supporting safe and efficient detention facility operations.

Qualifications

• Must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience in commercial or government grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of landscaping techniques, equipment, and safety practices.
• Ability to read site maps and landscaping plans.
• Must be able to provide proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• If prior active‑duty military, must provide copies of DD214(s) showing discharge condition.
• Must consent to fingerprinting.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass a comprehensive background check and security screening.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment medical assessment and drug screening.
• Excellent communication, observation, and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and in high‑stress situations.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Environment

Employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Requirements

Employees may be required to remain in a stationary position, stand, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, balance, squat, bend, and reach. Employees may also be required to use gear to move items around, including, but not limited to, carts and dollies. Employees may also be occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 49 pounds.

GardaWorld Federal Services is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.