Groundskeeper (2771)

St. Andrew’s School develops the independence, character, mind, and spirit of its students to prepare them for lives of citizenship, service, and purpose. Be at the center of this mission by joining the school as our groundskeeper, a key member of the facilities department. All students live, learn, and play in the natural beauty of our 2,200–acre campus. At the center of our community are curious, motivated, and diverse students who are accepted without regard to their families’ means. Each young person is challenged and valued, and students are truly known by the lifelong mentors who teach, coach, and advise them. Human connection, face-to-face, is the foundation of our program. Friendship and joy define our spirit; “faith and learning” is our motto.  

The groundskeeper plays a critical role in the school’s mission. Named by Architectural Digest as one of the “World’s Nine Most Beautiful Boarding Schools,” St. Andrew’s prides itself on the beauty of the campus and the natural ecosystem it inhabits. The school’s ecosystem and campus are critical to a St. Andrew’s education. The groundskeeper is responsible for a wide range of duties related to the maintenance, care, and beautification of the campus grounds and athletic fields. This role supports the overall mission of St. Andrew’s by ensuring the campus is safe, functional, and visually appealing for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This position carries an expectation of excellence, independence, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform landscaping and grounds maintenance duties.
• Maintain lawns and athletic fields to ensure safe conditions and professional appearance standards.
• Conduct tree maintenance and related grounds work.
• May be required to work from ladders and bucket trucks, in accordance with safety standards.
• Operate, maintain, and safely use manual tools (e.g., rakes, garden tools) and power equipment (e.g., tractors, mowers, blowers). 
• Perform basic automotive and small engine maintenance.
• Assist with snow removal operations.
• Respond to emergency call-ins as required, including during inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Job Requirements:  

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Possession of a current, valid driver’s license.
3. Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, prolonged standing, and working outdoors in various weather conditions for extended periods.
4. Ability to properly wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. Ability to demonstrate effective communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Pesticide Applicator Certification or willingness to obtain certification if not currently licensed.  

Physical Demands:

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and loud noises.
• Extensive physical activity required, including strenuous work such as heavy lifting and pushing or pulling objects over 50 pounds.
• The work environment involves some exposure to hazardous or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.