Landscape Grounds Technician

Requisition Number: 2025-0045 | Safety Sensitive: Yes | FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

About the role

The Landscape Grounds Technician plays a vital role in maintaining the beauty, functionality, and safety of the campus grounds across Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) and its affiliated non-profits, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute. This position ensures the grounds reflect the high standards of AWE and provide an inviting, well-maintained environment for staff, visitors, and the public.

Working under the direction of Grounds Operations Management, the Technician performs hands-on landscape maintenance, supports seasonal plantings, hardscape installations, and routine equipment care. This role also contributes to the upkeep of outdoor features such as garden furniture, restrooms, and water elements. In addition to physical work in diverse outdoor conditions, the Technician may interact with visitors and is expected to serve as a friendly and knowledgeable presence on the grounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance, including mowing, trimming, pruning, and fertilizing.
• Maintain annual and perennial ornamental garden areas, including seasonal flower displays and perennials.
• Conduct routine cleaning, basic repair, and snow/ice removal for parking lots, walkways, and other paved areas.
• Remove leaves from lawns, shrubs, and planting beds.
• Maintain and repair landscaping tools, equipment, and ornamental mechanical fixtures such as garden restrooms, drinking fountains, and furniture.
• Greet visitors, maintain the security and integrity of the grounds, and provide information to the public.
• Monitor and maintain irrigation systems.
• Assist with landscaping builds, including dirt work, rock work, hardscape installation, planting, mulching, drainage, and low-voltage lighting.
• Perform mulching, weeding, trenching, planting, and other basic landscape maintenance tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Solid understanding of landscaping and grounds maintenance techniques.
• Working knowledge of plant identification and related horticultural practices.
• Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and natural environments with rugged terrain.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in using a variety of hand and power tools.
• Capable of operating standard equipment and machinery, including forklifts, scissor/extension lifts, and vehicles/carts/trailers.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use specialized software.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer applications.
• Committed to providing excellent customer service rooted in courtesy, respect, and approachability.
• Enthusiastic about contributing to the success of a major community center.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work independently with initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Capable of contributing to project teams with a focus on results and operational excellence.
• Physically and mentally fit to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Physical demands

• High level of physical activity, including standing, walking, using hands and fingers to handle or operate tools, controls, and equipment.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly involves climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and communicating clearly with others.
• Operation of standard landscaping equipment such as hand tools (e.g., shovels, rakes, pruners, loppers), power tools (e.g., hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws), lawn maintenance equipment (e.g., push/riding mowers, edgers, rototillers), and heavy equipment (e.g., skid steers, mini excavators, tractors, utility vehicles).
• Use of access equipment such as ladders, forklifts, and aerial lifts (e.g., scissor or boom lifts).
• Perform routine inspections, which may involve navigating tight or elevated spaces, exposure to hot and cold equipment, and occasionally working at heights.
• Ability to respond promptly and physically to urgent situations.

Work environment

• Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions, rooftops, and other facility systems areas.
• The noise level is low to moderate, however, operating certain equipment may result in higher noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety protocols.
• May involve working in confined spaces or environments with temperature fluctuations depending on the season or building system conditions.
• Flexibility in working hours, including weekends and evenings, may be necessary to support operational needs.