Lead Turfgrass Technician — Grounds & Irrigation

Socket.dev; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Longwood Gardens seeks a full-time Turfgrass Technician to maintain turfgrass areas, apply pesticides, sod, seed, aerate, and assist with snow removal. Reports to Turfgrass Manager and leads a team while training interns and seasonals.

Responsibilities include operating mowers, tractors, sprayers, soil testing, pest management, and irrigation oversight, with a 6:00 AM start and occasional weekends.

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred but not required.
• 2 years of experience in Groundskeeping, golf course or estate maintenance.
• Small equipment operator skills are required.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain forklift operator training within six months.
• Ability to obtain aerial lift certification within six months.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, lift 50 pounds, and work from ladders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to turfgrass team during projects.
• Train interns, students, and seasonals.
• Safe and efficient operation of utility vehicles, mowers, string trimmers, sprayers, spreaders and tractors.
• Perform soil tests and apply fertilization and pesticide applications as needed.
• Identify and treat pest and turfgrass issues.
• Maintain irrigation and water management systems.
• Operate power tools for edging pathways and beds.
• Lead and support snow removal operations.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and assist with planting, mulching, and pruning.
• Collaborate with other departments to support seasonal programs.

Skills

Leadership

Intern training

Equipment operation

Pesticide application

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management or related field

Tools

Forklift operation

Aerial lift operation

Job description

Longwood Gardens seeks a full-time Turfgrass Technician to maintain turfgrass areas, apply pesticides, sod, seed, aerate, and assist with snow removal. Reports to Turfgrass Manager and leads a team while training interns and seasonals.

Responsibilities include operating mowers, tractors, sprayers, soil testing, pest management, and irrigation oversight, with a 6:00 AM start and occasional weekends.