Grounds Worker

Eligible for $500 sign-on bonus

Full time: Operating hours Monday – Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm.

Schedule may vary according to departmental and Academy needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Performs routine and repetitive manual labor.
• Cleans culverts, drains, roads and ditches; spread sand and gravel; erect road markers; shovel snow; collect refuse; rake leaves and grass; mow grass; operate light equipment related to above duties, including minor maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Provides support for the collection, hauling and disposal of refuse and recycling from Academy facilities and residences.
• Performs other grounds maintenance as required.
• Maintains natural grass and synthetic turf athletic fields, including measuring and painting field markings.
• Maintains and repairs lawn irrigation systems.
• Maintains and repairs athletic equipment including: goals, nets, and benches.
• Maintains outdoor Tennis Complex and Phelps Stadium venue.
• Assists with maintenance, event setup and breakdown for athletic facilities.
• Cleans restrooms, athletic support buildings and outside areas.
• Moves furniture, heavy objects, and equipment.
• Responsible for cultivating, transplanting, pruning, watering, fertilizing and maintaining lawns, athletic fields, shrubs, trees and plantings as instructed.
• Operates all motorized and non-motorized small grounds machines and tractors with implements i.e. snow blower, power brush, aerator, vacuum, overseeder, sweeper, large rotary mowers and forklifts.
• Operates Bucket Truck for tree work.
• Participates in snow removal.
• Maintains a clean and orderly storage area within the grounds department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and achieve high results with minimal supervision.
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Willingness and ability to learn and utilize additional applications as needed.
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None.

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ related experience.
• Experience with grounds equipment and machinery required.
• Knowledge of snow and ice removal operations preferred.
• Irrigation operation experience helpful.
• Pesticide applicator license and knowledge of Integrated Pest Management Practices preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.
• Experience in an institutional or campus setting

Physical Requirements

1. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work and will require the ability to remain standing for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, lift and push heavy objects as well as stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, lift and transport a minimum of 50lbs.
2. Must be able to climb and operate equipment.
3. Must be able to work in confined areas and areas subject to extreme heat and cold temperatures.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).
3. Must consistently wear assigned uniform and equipment and adhere to the appearance guidelines.
4. May be required to handle hazardous materials in the work area.
5. *Essential personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed directly by designated personnel during emergency events or inclement weather.

COVID Vaccine Policy:

Phillips Exeter Academy requires all community members to be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

*With the exception of a PEA-approved medical or religious exemption.