Maintenance Utility- Grounds (seasonal)

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Utility to maintain lawns, manage irrigation, operate mowers and lifts, and support events.

The role requires a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, ability to work outdoors year-round, and a safety-minded approach to teamwork. The position is full-time and aligns with the museum’s mission to care for historic grounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred and valid driver's license required
• Experience in commercial groundskeeping or outdoor labor is preferred
• Certification in aerial lift operation or heavy equipment training is valued
• Pesticide applicator license and CPR/First Aid certification are a plus

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, fields, and landscaped areas including mowing, edging, trimming, and planting
• Operate grounds equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers, weed eaters) and handle heavy machinery and lifts
• Assist with irrigation system checks, repairs, and adjustments
• Perform seasonal tasks such as snow removal and storm cleanup
• Set up and break down equipment for events and programs
• Observe safety protocols and use PPE as required
• Inspect grounds, report hazards, and assist with projects as needed

Skills

Lawn care knowledge

Operate heavy machinery

Safety protocols

Communication

Education

High school diploma

CDL preferred

Aerial lift certification

Pesticide Applicator License

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, Michigan, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, July 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Grounds Maintenance Utility position performs a variety of tasks to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of outdoor grounds, landscaped areas, facilities, and equipment. This role supports routine groundskeeping operations, operates heavy machinery and lifts, assists with special projects, and provides labor as needed for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, fields, and landscaped areas, including mowing, edging, trimming, raking, watering, fertilizing, plowing and planting
• Remove debris, litter, trash and fallen branches from walkways, parking lots, and outdoor areas
• Operate and maintain all grounds equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, and utility vehicles
• Operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts, including skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, snowplows and any other large equipment assigned for grounds maintenance, snow removal and project work
• Perform safe setup, operation, and shutdown procedures for all heavy machinery and aerial lifts
• Assist and maintain irrigation operation, performing system checks, including repairs, and making daily, seasonal and program adjustments
• Perform basic landscape tasks such as mulching, pruning shrubs, and removing weeds
• Perform seasonal tasks such as snow removal, ice control, leaf removal, and storm cleanup
• Set up and break down equipment for special events, outdoor activities, and daily programs
• Inspect grounds and report hazards, damage, or repair needs to supervisors
• Follow all safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred
• A valid driver’s license required (CDL preferred but not required)
• Eighteen (18) years or older
• Experience in commercial groundskeeping, landscaping, outdoor labor, or equipment operation preferred
• Basic understanding of lawn care, landscaping practices, and safe equipment use
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications:
  1. Certification in aerial lift operation (e.g., boom lift or scissor lift certification)
  2. Heavy equipment operator certification or documented training
  3. Pesticide Applicator License (if duties include chemical application)
  4. CPR/First Aid certification is a plus

Special Skills

• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of safe heavy-equipment and lift operation
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team
• Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment maintenance
• Good communication and safety awareness
• Proven ability to build positive relationships with others
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for the Henry Ford’s mission, vision, values and service standards

Physical

Standing, Walking: Typical. Lifting, carrying, and pushing: Occasional, up to 100 lbs. Tolerance for hot and cold temperatures preferred. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable. Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts. Ability to operate and maintain light grounds equipment and tools

Vision

Normal

Mental

Observation, analysis, interpretation, decision making, and multi-tasking. Ability to read guests needs and interests and respond appropriately.Shouldbe able to work under pressure and around large crowds. Willingness to discuss sensitive historical topics and challenging themes with a diverse range of guests.

Environment

Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons (including sunny and inclement weather) as necessary. Non-air-conditioned interiors. Flexibility with on-call scheduling and availability as needed during evenings, weekends, and short-notice situations.

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, Michigan, United States of America