Groundskeeper

Snug Harbor is an expansive culture park on Staten Island where arts, nature, education, and history converge to offer dynamic programming, events, and festivals to our diverse community. Located less than 1.5 miles from the Staten Island Ferry and easily accessible by public transportation, Snug Harbor welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors each year. Visitors can explore multiple museums, performances, festivals, a farm, and 83 acres of gardens, parkland, woodland, and wetlands. Founded in 1976 as a nonprofit organization, Snug Harbor is one of the largest adaptive reuse projects in America, transforming a 19th-century charitable rest home for sailors into a vibrant hub of contemporary culture and community connection. Today, Snug Harbor’s mission is dedicated to creating a vibrant culture park in Staten Island offering arts, nature, history, education and events for all.

THE POSITION

The Grounds Manager (GM) leads the daily operations and long-term maintenance of Snug Harbor’s grounds, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for the public. The Ground Manager supervises Groundskeepers, reporting to the Director of Horticulture and coordinating with other departments to ensure that site access, safety, and presentation standards are consistently achieved. The position balances hands‑on fieldwork with planning, supervision, and coordination duties.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Supports the Director of Horticulture in monitoring grounds maintenance budgets and material expenditures. Tracks labor hours, supply usage, and equipment maintenance schedules. Maintains accurate and timely records of grounds maintenance activities, inspections, and compliance documentation. Contributes data to departmental and organizational reports, including organics waste, plant production, and maintenance. Assists with procurement of tools, supplies, and safety materials. Contributes to and maintains up‑to‑date training manuals and procedural guides to ensure staff and supervisors have clear, consistent, and compliant resources that support efficiency and continuous improvement. Maintain accurate records of daily staff work agendas, performance, conduct, and development, fostering accountability and supporting continuous improvement within the team.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Models professionalism and approachability. Coordinates to prepare grounds for events, programs, and volunteer projects. Supports positive visitor experiences through proactive communication and courteous assistance. Represents Snug Harbor’s mission and values in all interactions, promoting respect, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Coordinate and provide technical and/or material assistance and training for affiliated partners, including site visits and regular check‑ins to ensure quality and impact. Track resources shared and associated impact.

OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS

Oversees all aspects of grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, mulching, turf management, waste management, litter control, snow removal, and pathway safety. Plans and directs seasonal maintenance schedules, ensuring consistent site readiness. Conducts routine inspections of tools, vehicles, and machinery; ensures proper storage and use. Coordinates with Facilities, Horticulture, and Farm teams on shared logistical needs, including waste management, signage, climate and irrigation systems. Leads safety briefings, ensures compliance with OSHA and DoL standards, and responds promptly to hazards or incidents. Coordinate and monitor IPM operations across zones, ensuring consistent application of best practices, proper use of materials and PPE, and timely communication of pest concerns or treatment results to the Director, Horticulture. Develop, coordinate, and implement departmental work plans by setting quarterly improvement goals, preparing daily and seasonal agendas, and estimating project timelines, material needs, and costs to increase efficiency and support smooth team operations.

TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Supervises and mentors Groundskeepers, ensuring alignment with departmental standards and expectations. Trains staff, interns, and volunteers in safe equipment operation, maintenance practices, and horticultural techniques. Promotes a team culture focused on accountability, skill-building, and continuous improvement. Supports interns and workforce development participants in developing professional and technical competencies.

CROSS-DEPARTMENT COORDINATION & REPORTING

Communicates regularly with the Director of Horticulture to plan and evaluate grounds operations. Coordinates scheduling and priorities with Community Impact team to balance maintenance, events, and patron needs. Provides input for capital planning and site improvement projects. Creates weekly reports summarizing work completed, issues addressed, and upcoming priorities. Proactively identify, report, and document safety, security, and maintenance concerns, conducting regular risk inspections and collaborating across departments to ensure timely resolution of issues and incidents.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated strong initiative in communication and collaboration to reach team goals Demonstrated administrative experience, which includes organizational skills and a high level of customer service Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Top‑notch people skills, with demonstrated experience in effectively communicating with the public and diverse backgrounds and interests Proven team supervision experience Detail‑oriented and proactive, with excellent follow‑up and project management skills Ability to take direction, work quickly, independently, and with discretion Priority on accessibility to green spaces, with a commitment to inclusivity, and safety. Valid driver’s license Commitment to developing IPM proficiency, including pesticide certification within six months. Commitment to continuous professional development

SALARY

Hourly rate is commensurate with experience, at a range of $22.00 to $24.00 an hour.

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates should complete the employee application form by visiting We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Snug Harbor celebrates and commits to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value and seek the strengths of human variety across communities in programming, with staff, the Board of Directors, volunteers, artists, and visitors. Snug Harbor strives to build a culture of diversity of voice and representation, authentically inclusive spaces, and equity for all. Snug Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizenship status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay‑off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. For more information on SHCC, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (shccbg)