Senior Groundskeeper
Wellesley
Summary
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.
Job description
Duties and Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Frequently work overtime as needed to support a variety of college events including but not limited to commencement and reunion.
- Be available at all hours to assist with snow removal including shoveling, and other weather-related emergencies.
- Actively support utility work (water, sewer, steam, tel-data, electric etc.).
- Perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions including lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds, and greater with assistance.
- Cover assignments and perform the duties of groundskeepers.
Minimum Qualifications
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 of woody plant and turf identification and their associated pests and diseases, the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), horticultural related chemical use, and safety.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, Hoisting Engineer License and a Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators License.
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.
Position Details
Department: Facilities Management. Reports to: Head of Grounds. Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Days off: Saturday & Sunday. Salary: The Pay rate for this role is $36.00 an hour.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Associates degree in turf, horticulture, or related field preferred
- Recent grounds keeping experience (within the past five years)
- Current knowledge of proper grounds maintenance
- Sound basic knowledge of ornamental horticulture including plant identification
- Demonstrable knowledge of operation of large and small power equipment including skid steer loaders and backhoes
- Proper irrigation management and repairs
- Basic knowledge of woody plant and turf identification and their associated pests and diseases
- Principles of integrated pest management (IPM)
- Horticultural related chemical use
- Safety
- Valid Massachusetts driver’s license
- Hoisting Engineer License
- Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators License
- Ability to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions including lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds, and greater with assistance
- Legally authorized to work in the United States without employer’s sponsorship now or in the future
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Life insurance
- Disability coverage
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Paid holidays
- Tuition benefits
- Free parking
- Athletic and fitness facility access
Company overview
Wellesley is a prestigious liberal arts college and research institution located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1870, it has established itself as one of the leading women's colleges in the United States with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and research across multiple disciplines. The institution operates extensive research services through its various academic departments, centers, and institutes, supporting both faculty-led investigations and student research projects. Wellesley's research activities span the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies, with particular strengths in life sciences, environmental studies, and computational research. The college maintains collaborative research partnerships with other academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations. As an academic institution, Wellesley provides comprehensive research support services including grant administration, research compliance, laboratory facilities, and data management resources to facilitate cutting-edge scholarly inquiry and innovation across its academic community.