School Garden Technician & Grounds Keeper

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools is seeking an experienced School Garden Technician to support garden installations, maintenance, and materials handling across district sites. You will work closely with educators and the School Gardens Teacher to ensure thriving outdoor classrooms and healthy crops.

The role requires physical gardening work in all weather, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and reliable attendance. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required to reach multiple campuses.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years gardening/related experience required.
• Plant and gardening knowledge across vegetables, fruits, and native plants.
• Associate degree preferred or equivalent 3 years of related experience.
• Highly organized with reliable attendance.
• Effective communication with educators and students.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in various weather.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation; ability to drive industrial van and dump truck.
• Proficiency with email and internet.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Science, District ILSs, School Gardens Teacher, and educators.
• Assist with garden installations, care, and maintenance across SPS.
• Operate the Science Resource Center with Director of Science and District ILSs.
• Receive, inspect, store, and deliver garden/science materials.
• Weed, mulch, dig, rake, and shovel tasks across sites.
• Prune fruit trees and manage planting, transplanting, and composting.
• Maintain inventory and communicate needs to School Gardens Teacher.
• Ensure orderly storage of materials and cooperate with school administrators.
• Work with staff across diverse environments and participate in other duties as assigned.

Skills

Gardening experience

Plant knowledge

Organized

Communication

Team player

Lift 50 lbs

Outdoor work

Education

Associate degree preferred

3+ years related experience

Job description

Springfield Public Schools is seeking an experienced School Garden Technician to support garden installations, maintenance, and materials handling across district sites. You will work closely with educators and the School Gardens Teacher to ensure thriving outdoor classrooms and healthy crops.

The role requires physical gardening work in all weather, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and reliable attendance. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required to reach multiple campuses.