Head Groundskeeper

Founded in 1838, The Pennington School is an independent, co-educational school serving day and boarding students in Grades 6 through 12. Total student enrollment is approximately 525, of which 25% are boarding students.

We are seeking a Head Groundskeeper to join our Operations team, reporting to the Director of Operations. This position is full-time, non-exempt (hourly), working forty hours per week plus overtime as needed. The Head Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of the School's grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces while providing day-to-day supervision and leadership to a small grounds crew. This role requires a hands-on professional who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to preserving and enhancing the campus's appearance.

Essential Responsibilities:

Supervises and works alongside the grounds crew in maintaining the appearance, safety, and functionality of the campus and athletic facilities.
Plans, assigns, prioritizes, and participates in all aspects of grounds maintenance, including athletic field preparation (turf and grass) and lining, leaf removal, snow and ice management, mulching, watering, pruning, fertilization, weed control, and seasonal landscaping projects
Oversees turf and athletic field management, including the development and implementation of fertilizer programs, irrigation practices, aeration, overseeding, topdressing, and field preparation to ensure safe, playable, and attractive athletic facilities
Supervises the maintenance of ornamental plant beds, shrubs, trees, campus walkways, and common areas to ensure a consistently attractive campus environment
Oversees and participates in the application of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides in accordance with NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) standards
Supervises the operation, maintenance, and repair of landscaping equipment, including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and spray equipment
Assist in the development and management of the grounds and landscaping budget, including identifying equipment needs and overseeing equipment purchases, preventative maintenance, repairs, supplies, and replacement planning to support the efficient operation and long-term care of the campus
Coordinates and participates in seasonal operations, including snow and ice removal, salting, storm preparation, and response efforts
Assists in scheduling and directing the daily work of the grounds crew to ensure projects and routine maintenance tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard
Responds to emergency calls related to grounds and equipment failures
Assists with the preparation and breakdown of campus events and supports other Operations Department projects as needed
Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required; degree or coursework in turfgrass management, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field preferred
Five plus years of professional groundskeeping, landscaping, athletic field maintenance, or related experience
Three plus years of experience supervising, training, and directing the work of grounds staff
Valid New Jersey Commercial Pesticide Applicator or Operator Certification required, typically Category 3B for grass turf, and Categories 3A and/or 6
Ability to safely operate heavy grounds equipment, light grounds equipment, power tools, and School vehicles
Knowledge of turf management, fertilizer programs, irrigation systems, athletic field preparation, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices preferred.
Ability to learn and adapt to new industry practices, technologies, and equipment
Self-motivated professional who takes ownership and pride in campus aesthetics and appearance, consistently demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in grounds maintenance
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with faculty, staff, vendors, and contractors
Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Must be available for overtime and on-call assignments, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and weather-related emergencies, as needed
Ability to work effectively in all weather conditions and throughout all seasons
Ability to follow all safety protocols, procedures, and applicable regulations
The candidate is required to obtain/maintain a commercial driver's license (“CDL”) with the required school bus endorsements and, as such, shall be subject to drug and alcohol testing pursuant to federal law
Must successfully pass the State of New Jersey criminal background check
Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds
Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including frequent bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, climbing, lifting, and walking

Hours for this position are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The minimum hourly rate for this position is $31.00. The actual offer will be commensurate with skills and experience. The Pennington School offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as life, short-term, and long-term disability programs, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

This position is located at our 55-acre campus in Pennington, NJ. The ability to walk up and down stairs is required. Not all buildings on campus have elevators. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: https://pennington.isolvedhire.com

The Pennington School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Pennington School

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Head Groundskeeper