Assistant Groundskeeper

Gladstone, New Jersey | Full Time | Facilities or Plant Operations

About the role

The Assistant Groundskeeper, within the Facilities and Operations Office, reports to the Director of Facilities and Operations and is a full-time, 12-month position. This role helps maintain school buildings and grounds in outstanding condition to ensure full and productive use of School facilities. Grounds work is performed on the school campus, including the Head of School’s house and Home Winds Farm. The Assistant Groundskeeper works closely with faculty, staff, and administration.

Responsibilities

• Perform all grounds work as requested and needed.
• Maintain School buildings and grounds in outstanding condition to ensure full and productive use of the facilities and optimum appearance.
• Ensure all activities conform to School requirements.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the School and School community.
• Provide exceptional customer service to all members of the School community.
• React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Work at School events as needed.
• Appropriately operate all equipment and machinery.
• Operate in a team environment, effectively interacting with maintenance, farm, and security personnel.
• Perform set-ups and breakdowns for School events, including tables, chairs, risers, stages, banners, signage, etc.
• Perform internal moves, including furniture, boxes, books, deliveries, and other School equipment.
• Work outside of normal work hours as needed.
• Assist in maintaining School grounds and buildings in top condition.
• Assist in promoting the safety, health, and comfort of students, employees, families, and guests in School buildings and grounds.
• Maintain a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all maintenance and repair projects.
• Move equipment and materials within and between School buildings.
• Work when emergencies arise to prevent disruption of the School and specific events such as Commencement, Family Day, Alumni Reunion, and others.
• Participate in snow removal from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
• Spread sand, salt, and calcium on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots during icy conditions.
• Act as a substitute custodian when necessary.
• Adhere to all school health and safety policies, including precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and the Asbestos Management Plan.
• Participate as part of the School’s Emergency Management Team under the direction of the Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management.
• Perform farm work as needed, including livestock management, pruning trees, harvesting, and weeding in the garden.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities and Operations, Chief Financial Officer, and Head of School.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in grounds work.
• Working knowledge of smartphones, walkie-talkies, and computers.
• Ability to read product labels and assembly instructions.
• Ability to read material safety data sheets (MSDS).
• Ability to initiate and complete work orders.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive under the school’s insurance.
• CDL preferred.
• Experience in a school setting is preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions and communicate effectively with supervisors, faculty, staff, students, and parents, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

• Prolonged sitting and standing.
• Physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects or materials up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, turning, and reaching.
• Use of machinery including mowers, weed whackers, tillers, tractors, backhoe, snowblowers, and trucks.
• Climbing and balancing.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors year-round.
• Ability to work in noisy and crowded environments.
• Ability to work in and around dust, fumes, and odors.
• Ability to work in high places such as rooftops and ceilings.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Tuition remission and tuition assistance.
• Sick, personal, and vacation days.

Pay

$37,000 – $42,000. Further consideration may be given to candidates with significant experience, education, or certifications.