Grounds Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated Grounds Specialist to support the maintenance and beautification of our campus grounds. This hands-on role involves a wide variety of landscaping and exterior upkeep tasks, including mowing, mulching, planting, edging, pruning, and snow removal. The Grounds Specialist will also assist with stormwater system maintenance and may be called upon to support indoor maintenance operations as needed. This position plays a key role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all residents, staff, and visitors, and requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Grounds Maintenance Foreman, the Grounds Maintenance Assistant supports the upkeep and enhancement of the facility’s exterior grounds. This role involves performing a variety of landscaping and maintenance tasks, including mowing, planting, mulching, edging, storm water system upkeep, and snow removal. The individual may also be assigned to assist the inside maintenance staff as directed by the Assistant Maintenance Manager. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values, and in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

The content of this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expectations performed by incumbents in this classification. All activities are completed in accord with the Core Focus, 10-Year Target, Core Values of the Company, following all policies, procedures, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, confidentiality, and other Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, as appropriate.

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Perform landscaping duties as directed by the Grounds Maintenance Foreman
• Mow lawns and fields using hand and riding mowers
• Distribute mulch in planting beds
• Assist with repairs and improvements to storm water management systems
• Edge planting beds and maintain clean borders
• Plant perennials and annuals according to seasonal plans
• Apply fertilizers and weed control treatments as directed
• Prune trees and shrubs as needed
• Support snow removal efforts, including snowplowing
• Assist inside maintenance staff as directed by the Assistant Maintenance Manager
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in landscaping techniques, plant care, stormwater management, and seasonal maintenance such as snow and ice removal.
• Skilled in the safe operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of groundskeeping and snow removal equipment.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks, scheduling work orders, and prioritizing assignments to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Knowledge of and commitment to enforcing safety standards, company policies, and applicable environmental and labor regulations.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This position requires on-call duty and the ability to work during nonstandard hours when the need arises.

Travel

• This position operates snowplows, mowing equipment and other machinery across the campus grounds. Some local travel may also be required.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school Diploma or GED (Required)
• Vocational/Technical degree or certifications (Preferred)
• 1-3 years’ Maintenance of landscaping equipment (Required)
• 1-3 years’ general landscaping experience (Required)
• 0-1 year’s welding experience (Preferred)
• Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License (Preferred)
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (Required)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

• Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
• Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Writing: Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.
• Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to stand, walk, bend, crouch, squat, crawl, pull with force, lift 25 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to climb, kneel, balance, reach above head, reach above shoulder, push/ pull up to 350 lbs. lift from floor level up, lift from waist level up, lift 50 lbs. maximum, lift and/or carrying objects weighting up to 25 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit, lift above shoulders/head; lift, push, pull with assistance (mechanical or co-worker) the weight of the average resident specific to department.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens - Low Risk
• May be exposed to communicable diseases
• May be exposed to extreme conditions, (i.e. heat or cold)
• May be exposed to gaseous fumes and helicopter attributes (i.e. noise, wind, etc.)
• May be exposed to high noise levels
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts
• May be exposed to potential electrical shock
• May be exposed to toxic, caustic, chemicals, and / or detergents
• May be exposed to rare occasions during which it is necessary to interact with a resident exhibiting aggressive behavior.