Assistant Lead Groundskeeper

About the role

The Assistant Lead Groundskeeper helps maintain University grounds and performs specialized grounds maintenance functions, including heavy equipment operation, snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and repair of grounds equipment and tools. This position assists the Grounds & Landscaping Operations Supervisor. This position is primarily a first-shift, Monday - Friday role. Flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, and respond to winter storm events and University event schedule as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds during the growing season by:
  • Mowing, aerating, applying top soil, seeding and fertilizing lawns
  • Weed whacking, edging, sweeping
  • Planting, watering, mulching, fertilizing and weeding flower, shrub, and tree beds
• Maintain grounds during fall/winter by:
  • Raking, pruning, gutter and drain cleaning; stormwater maintenance
  • Removing snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and roadways
  • Operating snow blowers, plows, and other snow removal equipment
  • Applying salt and sand
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power equipment, and heavy machinery used in grounds maintenance.
  • Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and specialized servicing of grounds equipment.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and rebuilding tools and equipment as necessary.
• Maintain athletic fields, artificial turf.
  • Maintain areas of wetlands, beachfront, waterfront and docks
  • Assist in completing tasks and initiatives related to the University's mission of Sustainability including recycling, trash cleanup, composting, special plantings, community gardens
• Construction and Facilities Support.
  • Assist with basic construction and site improvement projects, including ditch digging, concrete work, asphalt application, fence and sign installation
• Leadership and Supervision.
  • Assist in training, guiding and directing.
  • Assign and monitor daily work order activities.
  • Support the Grounds & Landscaping Operations Supervisor
• Safety and Compliance.
  • Complete all required initial and annual safety and regulatory compliance training.
  • Comply with all occupational safety and health policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Immediately report hazards, unsafe work practices, injuries, and accidents to a supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of two years of formal or informal grounds maintenance experience.
• Working knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Maine Board of Pesticides Control Commercial Applicator License preferred.
• Basic trade skills, mechanical and technological aptitude.
• Proficiency in operating hand tools, power equipment, and grounds maintenance machinery.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Benefits

Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage. Up to 8% retirement plan match. Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year. Educational benefits: UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners. For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview.