Assistant Groundskeeper

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DepartmentFacilities Management Job Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION(S)

Under the direction of the manager of grounds services or designee, assist campus and athletic area groundskeeper/s maintain the health, aesthetics and safety of the campus landscape including, but not limited to turf, plant beds, sidewalks, road, irrigation, drainage, trees, shrubs, ivy, lawns, etc.

DUTIES

• Plant, fertilize, water, weed, trim, groom plant beds, lawns, shrubs, etc.
• Assist with formulation, mixing and applying pesticides for entire campus in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Must remain current in the knowledge of appropriate regulatory requirements pertaining to restricted pesticide application.
• Must demonstrate ability to assist with identification and recommendations for solutions to turf diseases, pest infestations and other related turf deficiencies using an organic systems approach when feasible.
• Must possess ability to maintain campus grounds including, but not limited to plant beds, lawns, trees, shrubs, athletic areas, roads, walks, irrigation systems, etc.
• Mow lawns and operate power equipment as required on campus.
• Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices at all times and participate in required safety programs.
• Assist in the construction, maintenance or improvement of underground utilities and site work as related to the grounds department.
• Complete assigned project work.
• Safely drive college equipment and vehicles as necessary.
• Responsible for cleaning equipment/vehicles, inspecting for damage and performing visual check prior to using. Reporting any issues to the supervisor immediately.
• Safely operate all departmental motorized vehicles and equipment, including, but not limited to snow removal, hand operated snow blowers, sanding, mowing, trucking, recycling, tractors with and without attachments and other operations requiring the services of college-owned vehicles.
• Maintain positive public relations with all members of the college community.
• Provide back-up staffing as necessary.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform irrigation repairs, install, repair and maintain turf as well as shrub and plant care and maintenance.
• Perform general laborers tasks including, but not limited to mowing lawns with power or hand mowers, trimming hedges, loading and driving trucks, removing debris, demolishing walls, hand digging, raking leaves, snow removal with hand shovels and blowers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B or obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must have a valid driver's license. Must complete and comply with all college driving credentialing requirements and obtain DOT certificate. Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to fifty pounds regularly and up to ninety pounds occasionally. Must be able to bend, walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders and safely operate loaded hand trucks and dollies.
• Driver shall not have a history of moving vehicle violations or vehicle traffic accidents.
• Must possess a current Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators license or obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess hoisting license or obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email, finance, payroll and calendar systems as well as the work order system.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Education/Experience:

• High school/vocational diploma, GED equivalent or combination of education and experience.
• Must have a minimum of three years related experience in landscape construction/maintenance and turf management. Some formal training in turf management or a related field required.

Skills:

• Must have excellent customer service skills and have noted ability to work well with staff, students and all members of the college community and visitors.
• Ability to use good judgment to take appropriate, independent action to carry out the primary functions of the job.
• Must possess knowledge of turf maintenance, including sustainable landscape maintenance practices.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA regulations for the safety of the college employees, its users and properties.
• Must demonstrate understanding of chemicals used, including but not limited to reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Must possess the ability to carry out oral and written (electronic) instructions.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must have a clear understanding of the union contract and all college policies.
• Must be able to perform all tasks including, but not limited to safely lifting of heavy objects and operation of power equipment related to the job.
• Must be able to kneel, crouch and bend repetitively for extended periods.
• Must possess commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance.
• Must demonstrate working knowledge of irrigation installation and repairs.

CompensationThis position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $24.88. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

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Review of applications will begin

August 10, 2026 About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at View email address on click.appcast.io.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.