Lead Groundskeeper – School Grounds & Fields

Johnston County Public Schools; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnston County Public Schools Facility Services in Smithfield, NC is seeking a Grounds III to manage school grounds and athletic fields. You will lead a small crew, perform lawn care, and operate landscaping equipment to maintain drainage systems and outdoor spaces that support the instructional environment.

The role requires enforcing safety protocols, transporting equipment, and contributing to a team-oriented, quality-focused work culture.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lead a small crew and assign tasks.
• Experience with lawn care and landscape maintenance is required.
• Experience with heavy equipment preferred; herbicide application experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 2-person crew; assign tasks and ensure quality of work.
• Execute daily routes, operate landscaping equipment, and perform lawn care.
• Enforce safety protocols, ensure PPE use, and maintain safe job sites.
• Manage tools and supplies; report equipment issues.
• Drive trucks and transport ground maintenance equipment.
• Observe progress and provide corrective directions as needed.
• Commit to continuous quality improvement and uphold core values.

Skills

Crew leadership

Lawn care

Safety protocols

Heavy equipment operation

Tractor/vehicle operation

Tools

Track loader

Mini excavator

Front end loader

Job description

Johnston County Public Schools Facility Services in Smithfield, NC is seeking a Grounds III to manage school grounds and athletic fields. You will lead a small crew, perform lawn care, and operate landscaping equipment to maintain drainage systems and outdoor spaces that support the instructional environment.

The role requires enforcing safety protocols, transporting equipment, and contributing to a team-oriented, quality-focused work culture.