Connecticut College is conducting a regional search for a Groundsperson to perform groundskeeping and maintenance work for the College’s grounds and facilities while ensuring performance and quality standards are met and maintained.  Under the direction of the Landscaping Services Director, perform highly skilled trades duties in a variety of landscape and hardscape work.  Performs skilled maintenance and/or construction work requiring the application of trade skills, codes, and standard trade practices of College historical campus, waterfront, and athletic fields.  Makes estimates of time, personnel, and material required on assigned tasks; keeps necessary records; performs duties related to the trade or trade areas as required.

These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff.  Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays).

These positions also require participation in the Weekly On-Call Rotation Schedule; when assigned to the on-call rotation, calls must be responded to during the on-call assignment within 15 minutes. Compensation includes and excellent benefits package. Position pays $19.66/hour.

1. Prepares, installs and maintains decorative landscaping features to include flowers, plants, shrubs, ornamental grasses, trees, waterscapes, lighting and decorative and synthetic or natural materials in formal gardens, plant containers, borders and island beds.

2. Hauls materials, fills, grades and slopes work sites; pulls weeds, mulches, repairs drip lines, waters and fertilizes.

3. Installs and maintains turf by seeding or siding, repairing, mowing and fertilizing.

4. Clears brush, debris and leaves from lawns and catch basins.

5. Installs, maintains and regulates irrigation systems.

6. Installs and maintains recreational sports fields.

7. Operates and maintains various large and small power and construction equipment including bucket/boom truck, front loader, backhoes, bulldozers, forklifts, tractors, dump trucks of five (5) ton or greater capacity, plow and pickup trucks and trailers, street sweepers, leaf vacuums, wood chippers, mowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers and chainsaws.

8. Maintains and repairs small gas engine power equipment and large equipment to include, but not limited to, oil and spark plug change, blade sharpening, tire change or repair, fluid change and battery replacement.

9. Uses and maintains various hand tools; assists with the setup and dismantling of, but not limited to, plantings, fences, chairs, tents, bleachers and tables for special events; installs and maintains fences, bollards and signage campus wide.

10. Installs, maintains and repairs asphalt pavement and other materials on traveled surfaces.

11. Performs pre-treatment and snow and ice removal.

12. Assists arborists with tree pruning or felling operations.

13. Maintains orderliness and efficiency of landscape work sheds and surrounding areas.

14. Removes trash and changes bins daily.

15. Ensure all work processes comply with OSHA requirements and regulations, college policies and procedures including tracking work orders and service orders assigned to the department.

16. May direct student and/or temporary workers and/or contracted services as needed and assigned.

17. May apply pesticides under direct supervision.

18. May paint poles and other structures within the landscape.

• 1-4 years of general experience in a particular trade area.
• A combination of education and experience that provides a demonstrated knowledge of various plants used in landscape features; knowledge of proper care of plants for sustainment, principles, methods, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of turf grass management practices.
• Basic knowledge of pesticides and application methods and techniques.
• Interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to keep shop records, interpret and read blueprints.
• Ability to utilize computer software (CMMS).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• well-developed communication skills with the ability to read and write in English
• capacity to interact with a variety of people from all aspects of The College and Community
• Must be available for call back for snow and other campus emergencies and have the ability to work year-round and in all weather conditions (snow, rain, varied temperatures, etc.); must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Position requires occasional weekend work

Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records, pre-placement physical and on campus COVID testing, will be conducted on the selected candidate.

Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including the booster vaccination.  All new employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources. Additional COVID-19 safety protocols such as participation in weekly testing will be required of faculty, staff and students who have approved vaccine exemptions.