Grounds Person

Phillips Exeter Academy•Exeter, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Person maintains and preserves the Academy’s physical environment so it remains clean, safe, and functional for people visiting, working on, and using the main campus, athletic facilities, and woodlands. This is a full-time, 12-month position scheduled for 40 hours per week. Hours may vary with departmental and Academy needs; typical hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is classified as Essential Personnel. The wage range is $26.25–$27.30, based on relevant education and/or experience. The role performs routine grounds and facilities maintenance, including upkeep of lawns, athletic fields, plantings, irrigation systems, athletic equipment, outdoor tennis facilities, and Phelps Stadium. It also supports athletic events, snow removal, refuse and recycling collection, and the maintenance of grounds equipment and storage areas. The position requires operating a range of grounds machinery and vehicles and performing physically demanding work outdoors and in other challenging conditions.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Minimum of 2 years of related experience.
Experience with grounds equipment and machinery is required.
Ability to work independently and achieve high results with minimal supervision.
Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and a strong customer focus.
Strict adherence to confidential policies.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Basic computer skills and willingness and ability to learn and use additional applications as needed.
Strong organizational skills and ability to be flexible and multitask accurately.
Ability to follow verbal and written directions and maintain a professional demeanor and restraint, including in stressful situations.
Ability to remain standing for extended periods, climb and descend flights of stairs, lift and push heavy objects, and stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, lift, and transport at least 50 pounds.
Ability to climb and operate equipment and work in confined areas and areas subject to extreme heat and cold.
Successfully complete a criminal background check upon hire, reviewed every 5 years.
Have a clean driving record upon hire, reviewed annually.
Consistently wear assigned uniform and equipment and adhere to appearance guidelines.
May be required to handle hazardous materials in the work area.
As Essential Personnel, report to or remain at work when instructed by designated personnel during emergency events or inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED is preferred.
Knowledge of snow and ice removal operations.
Irrigation operation experience.
Pesticide applicator license and knowledge of Integrated Pest Management Practices.
Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting.
Experience in an institutional or campus setting.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and repetitive manual labor, including cleaning culverts, drains, roads, and ditches; spreading sand and gravel; erecting road markers; shoveling snow; collecting refuse; raking leaves and grass; and mowing grass.
Operate light equipment related to grounds duties and perform minor equipment maintenance and cleaning.
Perform other grounds maintenance as required.
Maintain natural grass and synthetic turf athletic fields, including measuring and painting field markings.
Maintain and repair lawn irrigation systems.
Maintain and repair athletic equipment, including goals, nets, and benches.
Maintain the outdoor tennis complex and Phelps Stadium venue.
Assist with maintenance, event setup, and breakdown for athletic facilities.
Clean restrooms, athletic support buildings, and outside areas.
Move furniture, heavy objects, and equipment.
Cultivate, transplant, prune, water, fertilize, and maintain lawns, athletic fields, shrubs, trees, and plantings as instructed.
Operate motorized and non-motorized small grounds machines and tractors with implements, including snow blowers, power brushes, aerators, vacuums, over-seeders, sweepers, large rotary mowers, and forklifts.
Operate a bucket truck for tree work.
Participate in snow removal.
Maintain a clean and orderly storage area within the grounds department.
Support the collection, hauling, and disposal of refuse and recycling from Academy facilities and residences.
Perform other duties as assigned.