Groundskeeper (with Equipment & Light Fleet Maintenance)

Chetola Resort Groundskeeper

For over 180 years, Chetola Resort has offered guests a timeless mountain escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serving as the gateway to beautiful Blowing Rock, North Carolina as a luxury haven where adventure meets tranquility, Chetola blends refined hospitality with immersive outdoor experiences—from Orvis®-endorsed fly fishing to award-winning dining, spa indulgence, and family-friendly recreation. Under new ownership, we are embracing an exciting new chapter rooted in thoughtful renewal, authentic elegance, and exceptional guest service. Blowing Rock boasts many of the most luxurious residences in all of the Carolinas, with an affluent clientele in a year-round destination.

Chetola Resort is seeking a hardworking, dependable Groundskeeper to help maintain our beautiful 75-acre property year-round. This is a hands-on, multi-skilled role where the majority of time is spent maintaining the resort's grounds, while also supporting the upkeep of our landscaping equipment and light-duty vehicle fleet. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining a pristine environment, and has basic mechanical aptitude to keep equipment and vehicles running efficiently.

Role Breakdown

• 60% Groundskeeping & Landscaping
• 25% Small Engine & Heavy Equipment Maintenance (serving & troubleshooting)
• 15% Light Fleet Maintenance (basic vehicle upkeep)

What You'll Do

Grounds Maintenance (Primary Focus)

• Mow lawns, trim weeds, edge walkways, and rake leaves in assigned areas
• Pick up and remove trash and debris across the property
• Trim and prune bushes, shrubs, hedges, and trees
• Prepare soil and plant flowers, bushes, hedges, or trees as needed
• Apply fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides as directed
• Maintain the overall appearance and cleanliness of resort grounds to Chetola standards

Equipment & Small Engine Maintenance (25%)

• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on landscaping and heavy equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, etc.)
• Change oil, replace spark plugs, clean filters, sharpen blades, and perform seasonal tune-ups
• Identify heavy equipment issues and escalate repairs when needed
• Maintain equipment logs and ensure tools are safe and ready for daily use

Light Fleet Maintenance (15%)

Assist with basic maintenance of resort vehicles and utility equipment, including:

• Golf carts (electric and gas-powered)
• Utility carts / side-by-sides (e.g., Gators)
• Light-duty resort trucks and maintenance vehicles

Perform routine tasks such as:

• Oil changes and fluid checks
• Battery maintenance and charging systems (especially for electric carts)
• Tire pressure checks and minor tire maintenance
• Brake pad replacement (if experienced)
• Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of fleet vehicles
• Identify and report larger mechanical issues to leadership or external vendors

Seasonal & Safety Tasks

• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, pathways, entrances, and parking areas using shovels, snowblowers, or plows
• Monitor walking paths, grounds, and outdoor spaces for potential safety hazards
• Safely cut and remove fallen trees or branches when necessary
• Assist with seasonal property preparation including leaf removal, spring cleanup, and winter readiness

Other Duties

• Complete assigned landscaping and maintenance projects
• Support special projects or resort needs as directed by leadership
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

Resort Support

• Assist with property setup for outdoor events, weddings, or seasonal resort activities when needed
• Support special landscaping or beautification projects across the property
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure outdoor spaces support guest activities and events

Requirements

Attention to Detail in Action

At Chetola Resort, exceptional grounds and well-maintained equipment are not just operational—they are part of the guest experience. Attention to detail in this role means consistently noticing the small things and taking pride in getting them right the first time. In the Groundskeeper role, attention to detail looks like:

• Edging walkways and curbs with clean, straight lines that elevate the overall appearance of the property
• Ensuring lawns are evenly cut with no missed patches, clumps, or visible tire tracks
• Trimming shrubs and hedges with precision to maintain a polished, intentional look—not just "cut back"
• Proactively picking up debris, sticks, and litter—even outside of assigned areas—before guests ever notice
• Noticing early signs of issues (dying plants, pest damage, irrigation problems) and addressing or reporting them quickly
• Cleaning equipment after use and returning it in ready-to-use condition for the next team member
• Catching small mechanical issues early (unusual sounds, loose parts, worn blades, low fluids) to prevent larger breakdowns
• Ensuring golf carts, utility vehicles, and equipment are clean, charged/fueled, and fully operational before use
• Applying fertilizers, herbicides, and treatments carefully and accurately to protect both the landscape and guest safety
• Leaving every space—whether a lawn, pathway, or work area—better than you found it

This role requires someone who takes pride in their work, holds themselves to a high standard, and understands that the details are what create the "Chetola experience" for every guest.

About You

• Reliable, efficient, and take pride in your work
• Able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions year-round
• Have a mechanical mindset and are comfortable performing basic equipment or vehicle maintenance
• Professional in demeanor and appearance, representing Chetola's standards at all times
• Understand that well-maintained grounds are part of the guest experience and are committed to creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitors
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team
• Take ownership of tasks and pay close attention to detail

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous landscaping or groundskeeping experience preferred
• Basic experience with small engine repair or mechanical maintenance strongly preferred
• On-the-job training provided
• Ability to operate power landscaping equipment and use hand tools
• Strong understanding of landscaping techniques and safety protocols
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and complete tasks on time
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout an entire shift
• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, slopes, wooded areas, and outdoor surfaces across the resort
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds regularly (more with assistance)
• Must be able to operate landscaping and maintenance equipment safely and effectively
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as digging, raking, shoveling, and snow removal
• Must be able to work with landscaping chemicals in accordance with safety guidelines
• Must be able to respond quickly to urgent grounds or safety needs across the property
• Must be able to drive company vehicles or equipment on property (valid driver's license required)
• Availability to work weekends, holidays,