Groundskeeper

Job Description

Summary

Join our Green Team!

Do you love working outdoors, getting your hands in the soil, and seeing your work make a visible difference every day? The Albuquerque Academy Grounds Department is looking for a motivated Groundskeeper to help us keep our 312-acre campus beautiful, safe, and thriving all year long.

You'll work with a passionate team that takes pride in every blade of grass, tree, and flowerbed. If you have experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance - and bonus points if you've worked with irrigation systems or have arborist know-how - we want to meet you! Strong candidates are attracted to our mission and see themselves as engaged community members.

All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

At Albuquerque Academy, we don't just maintain grounds - we nurture an environment where learning and community flourish. Our team values kindness, professionalism, and respect, and we treat every member of our community with care.


In this position, you'll get to:

• Work outdoors in one of Albuquerque's most beautiful settings
• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team
• See your work make a real, visible impact every single day

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic staff to work on campus. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. If you're hardworking, detail-oriented, and love seeing things grow - we'd love to hear from you. Submit your application, resume, and a brief letter explaining why this role speaks to you.

Let's make the Academy bloom together.

Essential Functions

• Care for turf and athletic fields - mowing, fertilizing, seeding, aerating, and more.
• Keep irrigation systems in top shape: install, inspect, and repair valves, controllers, rotors, and drip lines.
• Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, annuals, and xeric gardens that thrive in New Mexico's climate.
• Prep fields for games - drag, rake, paint, and set up bleachers and windscreens.
• Assist with campus event setup, including moving equipment, preparing outdoor spaces, and coordinating with the event team.
• Repair walkways, curbs, and hardscape features when they need attention.
• Keep our campus spotless: clear debris, remove snow, and manage recycling.
• Operate all the fun tools - mowers, tractors, skid steers, and more (safely, of course).
• Work closely with our Maintenance, Custodial, Security, and Event-Set-Up teams to keep everything running smoothly.
• Support the School and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
• Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend employee meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in grounds, gardening, or landscaping work is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience with irrigation systems or tree care - great, but not required.
• Knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture, or irrigation management is preferred.
• Familiarity with xeriscaping or sustainable landscaping practices is preferred.
• Comfort using smart irrigation software or digital work-order systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment, tools, and procedures used in grounds maintenance.
• Ability to operate power equipment, grounds machinery, and drive tractors and school vehicles.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow specific instructions and safety procedures in English.
• Pride in your work, a great attitude, and team spirit.

Special Requirements

• A valid Driver's License is required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Working Environment

• Majority of work is performed in an outdoor setting on campus.
• Work hours are generally from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Seasonal overtime is required.

Physical Demands

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather - you love fresh air more than cubicles.
• The ability to lift up to 80 lbs (because sometimes mulch is heavy).
• Driving around campus in a golf cart or truck.
• Climbing, reaching, and stooping to use equipment or pick up materials.

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.