Lead Groundsperson

Perkins & Will; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HRA

FSAs

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee recognition

EAP

Pre-tax transit passes

Job summary

Perkins – Lead Groundsperson needed to supervise grounds maintenance for the 38-acre campus and 12 off-campus properties. You will lead from the front, manage a team, and coordinate with contractors to ensure safe, attractive grounds.

You will operate and maintain equipment, oversee winter operations, and train staff on safety and procedures while building strong vendor relationships and ensuring high-quality work.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years grounds maintenance experience in multi-property environments.
• Expertise in horticulture, lawn care, drainage, hardscaping, and winter operations.
• Strong project and vendor management skills.
• Valid Driver's License and Hoisting License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and work alongside an Assistant Groundskeeper to foster a team-first environment.
• Oversee external contractors for mowing, mulching, tree care, hardscaping, drainage, and seasonal projects.
• Conduct regular property walk-throughs to spot maintenance needs and implement cost-effective improvements.
• Safely operate, inspect, and perform minor maintenance on machinery (skid steers, excavators, loaders).
• Train staff and contractors on safety protocols, PPE, and campus interactions.
• Lead winter snow and ice management, including emergency response and extended schedules when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Safety training

Vendor management

Equipment operation

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid Driver's License

Valid Hoisting License

Tools

Skid Steer

Excavator

Loader

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 Groundsperson

Are 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 skills

• Proactive, 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-$33.21

Perkins 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 Accounts

• Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Plan with employer match

• Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day one

• Paid Time Off

• Extras: 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. View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.