School Groundskeeping Manager
12 days ago
Locust Valley
Job Description Overview Job Title: Grounds Manager Reports To: Director of Facilities Position Summary The Grounds Manager oversees the care, maintenance, and enhancement of all campus exterior spaces, including lawns, gardens, athletic fields, tracks, tennis courts, playgrounds, pools, fences, bleachers, and related structures. This role ensures that all grounds and athletic facilities remain safe, functional, and visually appealing throughout the year, with particular emphasis on snow and ice removal during the winter months. The Grounds Manager leads a team of grounds staff, seasonal employees, and contractors, ensuring all work meets high standards that support the school’s academic, athletic, and community mission. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and executing all aspects of landscape and athletic field maintenance to maintain a well-kept and welcoming campus environment. The ideal candidate will bring extensive horticultural expertise, a strong background in grounds and athletic field management, and proven leadership and organizational skills. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping • Oversee all landscaping, turf management, tree care, and horticulture across campus., • Develop and execute seasonal maintenance plans for mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aerating, irrigation, mulching, planting, weeding, pruning, and pest management., • Manage care of gardens, ornamental plants, and other green spaces., • Coordinate exterior lighting, drainage, and irrigation needs., • Maintain and prepare all athletic fields (natural and synthetic turf), running tracks, tennis courts, playgrounds, and recreational areas for safe and optimal use., • Inspect, repair, and maintain bleachers, fences, backstops, nets, scoreboards, and other sports infrastructure., • Oversee upkeep of pools, decks and pool areas and coordinate pool water quality maintenance., • Ensure all sports facilities meet safety, regulatory, and competitive standards., • Collaborate with the Athletic Department to schedule and prepare facilities for practices, games, tournaments, and special events (including striping of athletic fields), ensuring fields are safe and game-ready. Snow & Ice Management • Plan and manage snow and ice removal for roads, parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, and entrances., • Oversee readiness, operation, and maintenance of snow equipment., • Schedule and supervise crews for snow removal, including early mornings and after-hours as required., • Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise grounds staff and seasonal workers., • Conduct routine inspections for quality control and safety compliance., • Manage inventory and order supplies, materials, and equipment as needed and manage equipment preventive maintenance., • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory guidelines and campus policies, • Prepare grounds for special events, which may require weekend and off-hour work., • Coordinate with contractors for specialized services., • Oversee capital improvement projects for grounds., • Maintain relationships with suppliers and service providers to ensure quality and cost efficiency.., • Apply knowledge of irrigation systems to ensure proper watering, maintenance, and troubleshooting as needed. Qualifications Qualifications Education & Experience: • High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, turf management, sports turf management, landscape design, or related field preferred., • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in grounds, sports facility, or landscape maintenance, including at least 3 years in a supervisory role., • Expertise in turf care, sports field preparation and landscaping practices., • Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail., • Budget planning and resource allocation experience., • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical tasks as needed., • Valid driver’s license, • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills., • Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a team effectively. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions • Stamina to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods, • Ability to walk for long periods of time around campus, • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, • Climb ladders, and work at heights, • Climb stairs, stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, • Work in an outdoor environment, with exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures, noise, dust, and equipment operation., • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during school events, snow events, or emergencies., • Capability to operate groundskeeping equipment safely and effectively. Ready to Join Us? If you’re passionate about maintaining clean and safe environments, apply now to become a Custodial Assistant Manager at CSG!
