Groundskeeper Lead

Maricopa Unified School District #20•Maricopa, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Groundskeeper Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the landscaping and athletic crews. This role balances hands-on outdoor labor with administrative leadership, ensuring the grounds are safe, aesthetically pleasing, and well-maintained year-round. You will serve as the primary point of contact between management and the field staff. The Lead Groundskeeper is a working supervisor responsible for the aesthetic and functional excellence of the entire district properties. This role manages a crew to maintain high-traffic turf areas (athletic fields or expansive lawns) while simultaneously ensuring the health and beauty of ornamental beds, seasonal displays, and specimen trees. You will bridge the gap between heavy-duty landscape operations and athletics.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of professional groundskeeping experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or "Lead" capacity.
Expert-level operation of zero-turn mowers, tractors, and skid steers.
Mastery of hand tools for fine pruning and topiary work.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Ability to work outdoors in all-weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
Valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
High School diploma or GED

Nice To Haves

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain one within 90 days) preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise, train, and schedule groundskeeping staff. Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and maintain high standards of workmanship.
Oversee and participate in mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, and planting. Ensure the proper application of fertilizers and pest control.
Perform routine maintenance on power tools and heavy machinery (e.g., tractors, zero-turn mowers, blowers).
Coordinate cleaning downed trees, leaf collection.
Track supplies, order materials within budget, and provide input on long-term landscaping improvements.
Monitor for soil compaction, drainage issues, and turf diseases; implement renovation and overseeding programs.
Manage and program complex irrigation systems to provide optimal moisture for different zones. Manage and repair irrigation systems and pipe repairs.
Identify and treat pests/diseases specific to ornamental shrubs and trees.
Direct daily workflows for grounds staff; provide on-site training for equipment use and horticultural techniques.
Plan and execute weekly maintenance rotations, ensuring both the "big picture" turf and the "fine detail" shrubs are addressed.
Enforce PPE usage and ensure all chemical applications (fertilizers/pesticides) meet local regulations and safety standards.