Lead Groundsperson

Perkins School for the Blind; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan with employer match

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement day one

Job summary

Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, MA, seeks a Lead Groundsperson to oversee grounds maintenance for campus and off-site properties. You will lead a small team, manage vendor relationships, and operate heavy equipment to keep outdoor spaces safe and visually appealing.

The role requires strong leadership, 5+ years in grounds work, valid driver’s license, and hands-on experience with skid steers, loaders, and excavators. An onsite, full-time position with robust benefits awaits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of grounds maintenance experience, ideally in multi-property settings.
• Valid Driver’s License required; Hoisting license helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Grounds team and supervise external contractors for campus maintenance.
• Walk properties to identify needs and implement cost-effective improvements.
• Safely operate and inspect machinery such as skid steers, loaders, and excavators.
• Lead winter snow and ice management and emergency response when needed.
• Train staff and vendors on safety and procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Safety protocols

Vendor management

Communication

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Skid steers

Loaders

Excavators

Job description

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.What you can expect as our Lead GroundspersonAre you a proactive leader who loves working outdoors, operating heavy equipment, and taking pride in keeping grounds immaculate? Perkins is seeking a Lead Groundsperson to oversee the maintenance, safety, and visual appeal of our beautiful 38-acre main campus and 12 off-campus residential properties.In this role, you won't just sit behind a desk—you will lead from the front. You will work alongside your team, manage key vendor relationships, operate machinery, and ensure our campus remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment for all students, staff, and visitors.How you will make an impact:Lead and work side-by-side with an Assistant Groundskeeper while fostering a supportive, team-first environment.Oversee external contractors for mowing, mulching, tree care, hardscaping, drainage, and seasonal projects to ensure high-quality work and contract compliance.Conduct regular walk-throughs of all properties to spot maintenance needs, propose improvements, and implement efficient, cost-effective solutions.Safely operate, inspect, and perform minor maintenance on machinery such as skid steers, excavators, and loaders.Train internal staff and contractors on safety protocols, PPE compliance, proper techniques, and respectful campus interactions.Take the lead on winter snow and ice management, participating in emergency response and extended schedules when weather demands.Education/Experience:High School Diploma or GED required.5+ years of grounds maintenance experience, ideally in a school, university, or institutional multi-property environment.Solid expertise in horticulture, lawn care, drainage, hardscaping, and winter operations, paired with strong project and vendor management skillsProactive, organized, and hands-on, with excellent communication skills and a knack for building strong working relationships.Valid Driver’s License (Required).Valid Hoisting License with hands-on experience operating skid steers, loaders, and excavators (Required).The following shared salary range is what Perkins reasonably expects, in good faith, to pay for the position. The applicable range could differ based on experience and qualification.$23.51-$33.21Perkins offers a comprehensive benefits package for part time and full time employees, including:Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Wellness programs available.Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)Flexible Spending AccountsEmployer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance401(k) Plan with employer matchEducation Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day onePaid Time OffExtras: Employee Recognition Programs, EAP, legal services, referral bonuses, credit union access, pre-tax MBTA passes and more!Perkins is a mission-driven community that supports your well-being at work and beyond. We are located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.Perkins is an equal opportunity employer.