SENIOR TURFGRASS TECHNICIAN

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

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Turfgrass Technician to join our experienced team in maintaining the magnificent grounds. This individual will support the maintenance of all turfgrass areas on the property along with pesticide applications, sodding, seeding, aeration, leaf cleanup and snow removal.This position reports directly to the Turfgrass Manager. Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to fellow turfgrass team members during projects.
• Providing support by training interns, students, and seasonals.
• Safe and efficient operation of utility vehicles, mowers, string trimmers, sprayers, spreaders and tractors.
• Performing soil tests and applying fertilization and pesticide applications as needed.
• Identifying and treating pest and turfgrass issues.
• Evaluating, maintaining, and improving various types of irrigation and water management systems.
• Operating various power tools for cleaning off and edging pathways and landscape beds.
• Operating forklifts and aerial lifts.
• Leading and supporting snow removal operations by running snow blowers, brooms, and plows.
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment such as changing blades and applying grease to various pieces of equipment.
• Supporting planting, mulching, and pruning tasks as needed.
• Collaborating with other departments to support seasonal programs throughout the gardens.

The work schedule includes occasional weekends, evening, and holiday work and has a start time of 6:00 AM.

We seek an individual who is safety driven and will wear appropriate PPE while performing their work. This individual will also need to think outside the box and work well in groups where collaboration is required.The ideal candidate will have:

• An associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management or related field is 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
• Demonstrated experience working proactively to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working as part of a team as well and independently.
• A valid driver’s license and a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s license or willingness to obtain one.
• The ability to obtain a forklift operator’s training certificate and aerial lift certification within the first six months of employment.
• The ability to work in all weather conditions, lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and work from ladders.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOT card.

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.