Groundsperson

Eligible for $500 sign-on bonus

Key Accountabilities

• 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.

Degree of Independent Action Performed

Incumbent works under the guidance of the Grounds Manager, but is expected to work with a high level of independence and autonomy, and exercise a high degree of initiative, influence, and judgment in decisions impacting staff and department operations.

Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Internal & External Contacts

Frequent contact with students, Dean of Students office, PEA administrative and academic offices, faculty, coaches, and staff. External contacts may include parents, outside organizations, visitors and local community neighbors.

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.

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to work independently and achieve high results with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

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, and lift
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.
4. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
5. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.
6. Communication skills using the spoken and written word.
7. Ability to see with normal parameters.
8. Ability to use a visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard.
9. Ability to hear within normal range.
10. Ability to lift and transport a minimum of 50lbs.
11. Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, freezing temperatures, etc.).

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.

This position is considered “Essential Personnel” in the event that:

• an emergency occurs on the PEA Campus or in the vicinity that would impact PEA;
• inclement weather forces the closing of campus, or;
• other emergency events deemed appropriate.

Essential Personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed to do so if contacted directly by the supervisor (or his/her designee), the Principal or a member of the Principal’s Staff (Leadership Team).

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.