Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ground Maintenance Crew

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about creating and maintaining beautiful, safe, and functional outdoor spaces? We are searching for a proactive and skilled Ground Maintenance Crew Member to join our dynamic team. In this vital role, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for the horticultural and aesthetic upkeep of our grounds. You will perform a variety of tasks related to landscaping, turf management, irrigation, and general outdoor maintenance. This position is perfect for a self-motivated individual who takes pride in their work, enjoys a physically active role, and understands the impact a well-maintained environment has on the overall guest and employee experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Landscaping Laborer or Assistant
General Laborer
Parks & Recreation Seasonal Aide

Advancement To:

Lead Groundskeeper / Grounds Crew Leader
Grounds Supervisor / Manager
Irrigation Specialist or Technician
Horticulturist

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Maintenance Technician
Equipment Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive lawn care duties, including mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing to ensure a neat and uniform appearance across all turf areas.
Execute seasonal fertilization, aeration, and over-seeding programs to promote healthy and robust turf growth.
Plant, cultivate, and maintain flower beds, shrubs, trees, and other ornamental plants, including watering, weeding, mulching, and pruning.
Operate a wide range of light and heavy-duty groundskeeping equipment, such as commercial mowers, tractors, aerators, backhoes, loaders, and utility vehicles.
Skillfully use and maintain hand and power tools, including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, ensuring they are in safe working order.
Monitor, maintain, and perform minor repairs on sprinkler and irrigation systems to ensure efficient water distribution and conservation.
Identify and control plant diseases, pests, and invasive weeds using integrated pest management (IPM) principles and appropriate application of herbicides and pesticides.
Conduct regular inspections of grounds, pathways, and parking lots to identify and resolve potential safety hazards or maintenance needs.
Perform seasonal property maintenance, including spring clean-up, debris removal, fall leaf collection, and winter snow and ice removal from walkways and entrances.
Install and maintain landscape elements such as sod, mulch, gravel, and small retaining walls according to design plans.
Prune and trim trees and shrubs to improve shape, encourage healthy growth, and remove dead or hazardous branches.
Maintain the cleanliness and order of outdoor areas, including emptying trash receptacles, cleaning patios, and clearing debris from walkways.
Operate snow removal equipment, including plows, snow blowers, and salt spreaders, to ensure safe access to facilities during winter months.
Assist in the preparation of athletic fields, including marking lines, grooming surfaces, and setting up equipment as required.
Perform minor maintenance and repairs on fences, benches, signs, and other outdoor fixtures.
Ensure all grounds maintenance work complies with environmental regulations and company safety policies.
Prepare and grade terrain for the installation of new landscaping features or turf areas.
Manage and maintain compost and green waste disposal sites in an environmentally responsible manner.
Respond promptly to grounds-related work orders and service requests from management or other departments.
Document and log daily activities, equipment usage, and materials applied for accurate record-keeping and reporting.

Secondary Functions

Support event operations by assisting with the setup and breakdown of tents, stages, and other outdoor equipment.
Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs on groundskeeping equipment to minimize downtime.
Collaborate with other facilities and maintenance teams on integrated projects and property-wide initiatives.
Maintain an accurate inventory of supplies, tools, and materials, and report needs to the supervisor for reordering.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating and performing basic maintenance on commercial-grade landscaping equipment (e.g., zero-turn mowers, tractors, aerators).
Strong knowledge of horticultural practices, including planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest control.
Ability to identify common local plant species, weeds, and turf diseases.
Experience with the installation, operation, and repair of automated irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and the ability to operate utility vehicles.
Knowledge of safe work practices and OSHA guidelines related to landscaping and equipment operation.
Competence in using hand and power tools associated with ground maintenance.
Experience with snow and ice removal procedures and equipment operation.
Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to read and interpret landscape plans and work orders.

Soft Skills

Strong work ethic and demonstrated reliability and punctuality.
Physical stamina and the ability to perform strenuous labor in various weather conditions.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative member of a team.
Keen attention to detail to ensure a high standard of quality and appearance.
Proactive problem-solving skills to identify issues and recommend solutions.
Strong verbal communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and the public.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or Associate's degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, or a related field.
State-issued pesticide/herbicide applicator license.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Landscape Architecture or Design
Turfgrass Science
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of professional experience in commercial groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.

Preferred: Prior experience maintaining large-scale properties such as a corporate campus, educational institution, golf course, or public park.