Groundskeeper jobs in Westfield, MA

The Landscape Groundskeeper performs day-to-day maintenance of the campus grounds, with a particular emphasis on maintaining plant material on Academy properties including flower beds, shrubbery, and ornamental trees. In addition, the Landscape Groundskeeper maintains campus grounds and property at school owned houses, including operating all relevant equipment, and performing maintenance and work necessary to keep all Deerfield Academy properties, vehicles and equipment in safe excellent condition. 

Responsibilities:

Landscaping

• As directed, perform duties including, but not limited to, weeding, pruning, raking, mulching and general maintenance of bedding plants, shrubs and ornamental trees
• As requested by the Landscaping Supervisor, assist with installation of new landscape design as needed, and transplanting and replacement of existing plant material on campus.
• To the extent possible, ensure campus landscape is pristine for all Academy events

Campus Grounds

• Operate all hand operated equipment typically used for landscaping work in a safe and efficient manner; shovels, racks, edgers, pruners, power saws, hand shears, etc.
• Assist with shoveling (snow, dirt, stone, bark mulch), lifting bags (recycling, rubbish, fertilizers, etc), landscaping functions (planting, shrub trimming, tree trimming, leaf cleanup, raking), lining athletic fields in an organized and cooperative manner
• Assist with campus events including but not limited to the setup and break down of chairs, tables, furniture and appliances, all in a safe and efficient manner, to ensure smooth campus
• Operate or learn to operate equipment typical to the trade such as tractors, bucket loaders, excavators, fork lifts, high lifts, etc.
• Assist with the rubbish, recycle, and compost programs, as required
• Attend all Safety Program training, comply with all Academy Safety Program policies and procedures while performing job duties, both on and off Academy property, and utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Attend professional development as needed to maintain appropriate licensing and to learn new aspects of the trade.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, 1-3 years of landscaping experience, a valid Driver’s License; possess MA Hoister’s License, or obtain one within six (6) months of date of hire; possess MA Pesticide Applicators License, or obtain one within six (6) months of date of hire, the ability and willingness to work flexible hours, have experience with MS Office Suite, the ability to follow directions and work independently as well as part of a team, and good organizational, interpersonal verbal and written skills and a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to serving the needs of a diverse community

Physical Demands

• Ability to climb and balance on stepladders
• Ability to frequently crouch, stoop, crawl, reach, push, pull and kneel
• Ability to frequently work in awkward body positions
• Ability to frequently sit and/or stand to operate vehicles and equipment
• Ability to frequently grasp and feel steering wheels and other equipment
• Ability to frequently perform repetitive motion tasks
• Ability to perform heavy work, exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 50 lbs. frequently, up to 20 lbs. constantly to move or carry objects
• Excellent visual acuity to safely operate Academy vehicles and equipment

 Working Conditions

• Worker is frequently subject to outside environmental conditions including extreme cold (temperatures below 32°), and extreme heat (temperatures above 100°); consideration should be given to wind and humidity
• Worker is frequently subject to noise, sufficient to cause worker to shout
• Worker is occasionally subject to vibration, oscillating movements of extremities or whole body
• Worker is frequently subject to hazards and atmospheric conditions including moving vehicles, moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors and gases

**SIGN-ON BONUS**

The successful candidate will receive a $1,000 sign-on bonus ($500 paid at time of hire and $500 paid at the end of 90 days of employment.