Groundskeeper (Kalamazoo Properties)

About the Role:

The Groundskeeper maintains the physical condition and appearance of two Full Circle Community properties in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This position is responsible for ensuring the property is inspection-ready daily through exterior landscaping, trash management, and interior custodial duties. The role supports general property upkeep, seasonal weather tasks, and unit turnovers, working closely with the maintenance team to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for residents and staff.

About Full Circle Communities

At Full Circle Communities, we are driven by a mission to expand access to affordable housing and support thriving communities. We believe housing is the foundation on which lives are built. Our person-centered approach goes beyond housing affordability through the provision of supportive services designed to help residents build stable, fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds & Exterior Maintenance [45%]

• Walk the property daily to remove litter, debris, and pet waste from grounds, parking lots, and breezeways
• Maintain landscaping by weeding, raking, blowing, pruning, and planting flowers or shrubs
• Remove unwanted or unhealthy plants, shrubs, trees, and downed limbs
• Apply mulch, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety guidelines
• Maintain playground surfaces, fences, and irrigation systems
• Power wash sidewalks, building exteriors, and parking structures as needed
• Perform seasonal upkeep, including snow and ice removal for sidewalks and main entrances, and apply salt or sand to prevent hazards

Trash Management & Custodial Support [25%]

• Ensure dumpster areas, trash chutes, and trash rooms are clean and free of loose debris
• Break down large cardboard boxes and manage the removal of unauthorized bulk trash or furniture left near dumpsters
• Clean and maintain common areas, including the leasing office, lobbies, clubhouse, laundry rooms, mail rooms, and fitness centers
• Clean and organize the maintenance shop, storage rooms, and utility closets
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on groundskeeping equipment and machinery

Unit Make-Ready & Maintenance Support [15%]

• Perform "trash-outs" by removing abandoned furniture and debris from vacated apartment units
• Complete final janitorial touch-ups in vacant units to ensure they are fully clean and ready for new resident move-ins
• Assist the maintenance team with minor repairs, routine tasks, and moving heavy appliances or furniture
• Distribute resident notices, newsletters, and flyers to individual apartment doors

Safety & Preventative Checks [15%]

• Identify and report maintenance concerns, trip hazards, or necessary repairs to management immediately
• Inspect exterior building lighting, breezeway lights, and parking lot fixtures during morning walks, reporting burned-out bulbs
• Ensure all exterior doors and security gates are functioning and latching properly
• Maintain proper storage of all cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible
• Follow safety guidelines, including the use of protective equipment and OSHA standards

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of groundskeeping, landscaping, and custodial practices
• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools safely
• Attention to detail in identifying property maintenance and safety issues
• Ability to work outdoors in various seasonal weather conditions
• Basic communication skills to read maintenance forms, equipment manuals, and warning labels

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to perform physical labor and grounds maintenance tasks safely

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in groundskeeping, janitorial work, or property maintenance
• Familiarity with multi-family residential communities or apartment complex operations
• MDARD Registered Applicator credential (or willingness to obtain) for commercial herbicide and pesticide application

Physical Demands

• Active position requiring the ability to be on feet for 66-100% of the workday
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs, pushing, and pulling
• Requires the physical ability to grasp, grip, turn, and use finger dexterity for operating tools and machinery
• Ability to safely lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
• Required to perform tasks outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow

Location and Travel

• The position is based at two properties in Kalamazoo Michigan including the Pinehurst property (60%) and Maple Grove Village (40%) in Kalamazoo County, Michigan
• Standard operating hours, with potential requirements to assist with weather-related emergencies (e.g., snow removal)
• This role is eligible for a travel stipend

Job Details

• Full Time
• Compensation: $18-20 per hour
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Final candidates will be required to pass a background check and provide professional references.

Full Circle is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and while we have a set of preferred qualifications listed, if you have other experience that you think is related, please apply.