Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the appearance, health, safety, and overall condition of the Montessori Academy campus grounds. This position plays an important role in creating a beautiful, welcoming, and safe outdoor environment for students, families, faculty, and visitors.

The Groundskeeper will oversee routine landscape maintenance, including mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, planting, watering, and general care of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants. The position will also be responsible for exterior maintenance tasks that help keep the school campus clean, attractive, functional, and well-maintained.

Because outdoor spaces are an important part of the Montessori educational environment, the Groundskeeper should take pride in creating and maintaining natural spaces that encourage children's exploration, outdoor learning, and appreciation for the natural world.

This is a 30-40 hour per week position, with a regular schedule that includes one scheduled weekend day (Saturday or Sunday). The specific schedule may vary based on campus needs, seasonal demands, weather, and school activities.

Essential Responsibilities

Lawn & Landscape Care

• Mow and maintain all school lawns and grassy areas.
• Edge sidewalks, curbs, buildings, playgrounds, and landscaped areas.
• Weed flower beds, planting areas, walkways, and other outdoor spaces.
• Trim, prune, and maintain shrubs, bushes, trees, and ornamental plants.
• Plant, replace, and relocate flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping.
• Maintain mulch, planting beds, borders, and landscaped areas.
• Water and monitor plants, particularly during hot or dry weather.
• Identify unhealthy, damaged, or dying plants and recommend appropriate treatment or replacement.
• Remove leaves, branches, fallen limbs, and natural debris.
• Maintain a neat and attractive appearance throughout the campus.

Trees & Plant Health

• Monitor trees and plants for disease, pests, damage, or other health concerns.
• Perform routine pruning and removal of dead or damaged growth.
• Assist with seasonal planting and landscape improvements.
• Help maintain outdoor gardens and natural learning areas used by students.
• Work with school administration on campus landscaping and improvement projects

General Exterior Maintenance

• Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep exterior drains, pathways, sidewalks, and other areas free of leaves and debris.
• Assist with pressure washing and exterior cleaning.
• Maintain fences, gates, outdoor structures, and other grounds-related items.
• Remove trash and debris from outdoor areas.
• Help maintain playground surroundings and outdoor activity areas.
• Perform minor grounds-related repairs when appropriate.
• Identify larger maintenance or safety issues and report them promptly.

Winter Weather Support

• Assist with snow and ice removal and related campus preparation when winter weather occurs, as needed.
• Assist with applying ice-melt or other deicing materials to sidewalks, entrances, steps, and other designated areas.
• Help keep exterior walkways and access areas safe and accessible during and following occasional winter weather events.

Equipment & Safety

• Safely operate and maintain lawn mowers, weed trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and other grounds equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain an organized and secure equipment/storage area.
• Follow all equipment safety guidelines and school safety policies.
• Properly store fertilizers, chemicals, tools, and other materials.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Exercise particular care when operating equipment on an active school campus.

Montessori Campus Responsibilities

The Groundskeeper should understand that the school grounds are an extension of the Montessori classroom. Outdoor spaces should be maintained in a manner that supports beauty, order, independence, exploration, and connection with nature.

The Groundskeeper will:

• Help maintain outdoor environments that are safe and inviting for children.
• Take special care around gardens, natural areas, and outdoor Montessori learning environments.
• Support opportunities for children to interact with and learn from nature.
• Maintain a campus that reflects the school's commitment to beauty and environmental stewardship.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and families.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, horticulture, property maintenance, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of lawn care, landscaping, pruning, planting, and plant maintenance.
• Ability to safely operate lawn and landscaping equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining attractive, well-kept grounds.
• Ability to work independently and manage routine maintenance responsibilities.
• Reliable, punctual, responsible, and self-motivated.
• Ability to interact appropriately and professionally in a school environment.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe environment for children.
• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods, walk and stand for extended periods, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, lift and carry equipment and materials, and safely operate landscaping equipment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage or annual salary based on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employer contribution toward medical insurance premiums
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contribution

Paid Time Off

• Paid vacation/PTO
• School holidays and scheduled campus closures, where applicable

Professional & Equipment Support

• School-provided tools and equipment
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Certification opportunities in horticulture, landscaping, pesticide application, or related areas when appropriate

Additional Benefits

• Employee discount on Montessori Academy tuition, if applicable
• Flexible scheduling when school operations permit
• Paid time for required training
• Opportunities to participate in campus improvement and outdoor education projects
• A supportive, mission-driven school environment

An Exceptional Opportunity

This position offers an opportunity to take ownership of a beautiful school campus and make a visible difference every day. The Groundskeeper will have the opportunity to develop and maintain gardens, trees, lawns, natural spaces, and outdoor environments that are used by children throughout the school year.

The ideal candidate will see the campus as more than property to maintain, they will see it as a living environment where children learn, explore, play, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Montessori Academy is committed to creating a beautiful, safe, and inspiring environment for children and seeks a Groundskeeper who shares that commitment.

To apply, please email resume and cover letter to asitter@montessoriacad.org.

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $26