Lead Groundskeeper

William Jewell College is seeking a dependable, experienced, and motivated Lead Groundskeeper to help maintain the appearance, safety, and overall condition of our campus grounds.

This is a hands-on position with primary responsibility for mowing, turf care, general grounds, walk, and road maintenance, along with seasonal snow and ice removal. The Lead Groundskeeper will help coordinate daily mowing activities, prioritize work based on campus needs and weather conditions, and ensure outdoor spaces are maintained to a high standard.

The ideal candidate has professional experience operating commercial lawn and grounds equipment, takes pride in maintaining attractive and well-kept outdoor spaces, and can work independently while providing day-to-day leadership and coordination to grounds activities.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and perform mowing and turf maintenance throughout the William Jewell College campus.
• Safely operates commercial grounds equipment, including zero-turn and riding mowers, push mowers, string trimmers, edgers, blowers, chainsaws, skid steers, tractors, stump grinder, and related equipment.
• Maintain lawns, walkways, landscaped areas, and other outdoor spaces to established campus standards.
• Assist with landscape maintenance activities, including planting, mulching, pruning, and weed control.
• Inspect equipment before use and perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic maintenance.
• Identify equipment issues and promptly report necessary repairs or maintenance needs.
• Help coordinate mowing schedules and prioritize daily work based on campus activities, events, weather, and seasonal needs.
• Assist with grounds setup, cleanup, and preparation for campus events and activities.
• Participate in snow and ice removal operations, including operating snow removal equipment, shoveling, and applying ice melt.
• Respond to snow and ice removal needs during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other grounds, facilities, and related duties assigned.

Qualifications
• Previous professional or commercial mowing and grounds maintenance experience required.
• Demonstrated experience operating commercial lawn mowers and other powered lawn and landscape equipment.
• Ability to safely operate, inspect, clean, and perform basic maintenance on grounds equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality, well-kept grounds.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and willingness to respond to operational needs during inclement winter weather.
• Valid Missouri Class E (or equivalent) driver's license and acceptable driving record required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position requires regular outdoor work and the ability to safely operate powered grounds equipment for extended periods. The employee must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials and perform repetitive physical tasks as required.

Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, and ice. The position may require extended periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, and pulling.

Seasonal snow and ice removal responsibilities may require work outside of normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.