Groundskeeper

Woodberry Forest School•Woodberry Forest, VA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

Woodberry Forest School, located in Madison, VA, is an exceptional private boarding school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest for boarding schools in Virginia, and one of the largest private school campuses in the country. The campus is a distinctive blend of historic architecture, mature landscapes, athletic fields, recreational spaces, natural areas, and a championship golf course. The Grounds & Golf Department is responsible for maintaining and enhancing this unique environment while preserving Woodberry's historic character and supporting the daily life of the school community. The Groundskeeper is an essential member of the Grounds & Golf Department and contributes to the care, appearance, safety, and long-term stewardship of Woodberry Forest School's 1,200-acre campus. The successful candidate will perform a variety of landscape and grounds maintenance activities, including turf care, mowing, landscaping, horticulture, athletic field maintenance, irrigation, planting, pruning, and seasonal campus operations. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a professional team. The Groundskeeper will work throughout the campus and may support the maintenance of athletic fields, ornamental landscapes, natural areas, roadsides, and other outdoor spaces. The position offers an opportunity to develop skills in a broad range of grounds management practices while contributing to a campus that is nationally recognized for its beauty and tradition.

Requirements

Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, turfgrass management, horticulture, golf course maintenance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds maintenance equipment.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, standing, walking, and operating equipment for extended periods.
Strong attention to detail and pride in the quality of work.
Dependable, punctual, and willing to contribute as a member of a team.
Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned work efficiently and professionally.
Ability to utilize technology and communicate through electronic means.
Valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience with commercial turfgrass or athletic field maintenance.
Experience with irrigation systems.
Experience with horticulture and landscape maintenance.
Experience operating tractors, loaders, utility vehicles, and specialized grounds equipment.
Pesticide applicator certification or willingness to obtain certification.
Relevant education, certifications, or professional training in turfgrass management, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Perform routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, and general landscape upkeep.
Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance equipment, including commercial mowers, string trimmers, blowers, utility vehicles, tractors, and other specialized equipment.
Assist with the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and recreational areas.
Perform landscape installation and maintenance, including planting, mulching, pruning, weeding, and seasonal flower displays.
Assist with turfgrass management practices, including aerification, seeding, fertilization, topdressing, and other cultural practices.
Assist with irrigation system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
Maintain landscaped areas and outdoor spaces to established departmental standards.
Assist with leaf collection, snow and ice response, storm cleanup, and other seasonal operations.
Support campus improvement projects and special landscape projects as assigned.
Identify and report issues involving trees, turf, irrigation, drainage, pests, diseases, equipment, and general landscape conditions.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
Properly operate, clean, inspect, and perform basic maintenance on equipment and tools.
Follow all safety procedures and participate in required safety training.
Work collaboratively with coworkers and supervisors and contribute positively to a team environment.
Provide courteous and professional interactions with faculty, staff, students, visitors, and members of the Woodberry community.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Grounds & Golf Manager.