Senior Groundskeeper

Wellesley College; Wellesley (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Free campus parking

Paid time off (vacations, sick time, &

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Job summary

Wellesley College is seeking a Senior Groundskeeper to manage campus landscape operations and, on occasion, golf and athletic field maintenance. Responsibilities include mowing, planting, pruning, irrigation repairs, and major projects.

The candidate should have a turf/horticulture background, experience with power equipment, and the ability to work flexible hours including overtime for events and emergencies. Health, retirement, and growth opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in turf, horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Recent groundskeeping experience required (within past five years).
• Knowledge of ornamental horticulture, plant identification, and IPM basics.
• Experience operating large/small power equipment, irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate grounds department equipment safely and maintain a positive, professional attitude.
• Perform mowing, weeding, planting, pruning, irrigation repairs, and general landscape tasks.
• Assist with snow removal and weather-related emergencies as needed.
• Support utility work (water, sewer, steam, tel-data, electric) and campus events.
• Lift/carry heavy loads (up to 50 lbs or more with assistance) and work in all weather conditions.

Skills

Grounds keeping

Horticulture

IPM knowledge

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Bachelors or Associates in turf/horticulture

Tools

Power equipment operation

Irrigation systems

Job description

Job Posting TitleSenior GroundskeeperJob Description SummaryUnionJob Description

Under the direction of the Head of Grounds, the Senior Groundskeeper will perform duties primarily associated with campus landscape operations, but may also perform work associated with golf, and athletic field operations as directed.

Perform all phases of landscape maintenance, and construction, from day-to-day activities such as mowing, weeding, planting, pruning, to irrigation repairs, trash / litter removal, major renovation projects, and other duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Senior Groundskeeper must be able to demonstrate the safe and proper operation of all grounds department equipment. Maintain a positive, enthusiastic, and professional attitude while working as part of a team, and while interacting with the public. The successful candidate will frequently be asked to work overtime as needed, to support a variety of college events including but not limited to commencement and reunion. The Senior groundskeeper must be available at all hours, to assist with snow removal including shoveling, and other weather-related emergencies. Will actively support utility work (water, sewer, steam, tel-data, electric etc.) The Senior Groundskeeper must be in good health with the ability to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions including lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds, and greater with assistance. This position covers assignments and performs the duties of groundskeepers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience Bachelor's or Associates degree in turf, horticulture, or related field preferred, must have recent grounds keeping experience (within the past five years).
• Current knowledge of proper grounds maintenance required, as well as a sound basic knowledge of ornamental horticulture including plant identification.
• The candidate must possess demonstrable knowledge of, the operation of large and small power equipment; including but not limited to skid steer loaders and backhoes, proper irrigation management and repairs, a basic knowledge or woody plant, and turf identification and their associated pests and diseases, the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), horticultural related chemical use, and safety.
• Experience in maintaining golf course turf strongly preferred.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver's license, Hoisting Engineer License and a Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators License.

Please note: Sustainability is a priority of Wellesley College. This position will support those activities as requested, including more sustainable maintenance operations, recycling and other initiatives identified by the college.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer's sponsorship now or in the future. This position has been classified as essential personnel. In the event of inclement weather or other emergency conditions that require the College to close, you are expected to report to work if you are scheduled to work that day, in accordance with Article 8.1.f of the Independent Service and Maintenance Union contract.

Position Details

Department: Facilities ManagementReports to: Head of GroundsSchedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pmDays off: Saturday & SundaySalary:The Pay rate for this role is $36.00 an hour.

Company Description and Benefits

Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae. Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation: Earn competitive wages with regularly scheduled increases, recognizing your commitment and dedication to providing outstanding service.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and retirement benefits as well as life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are easily accessible via the MBTA commuter rail
• Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, sick time, and holidays, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings: Plan for your future with our retirement savings plan, including contributions from Wellesley College.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for promotion within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the‑art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Worker Sub-TypeUnionTime TypeFull timeEEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.