Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Compensation: $17.00- $21.00/hour ( commensurate with experience and qualifications)

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Position Summary

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate is seeking a full-time groundskeeper. This role is responsible for assuring the overall pristine appearance of the estate by applying sound ground maintenance and proper maintenance of turf, historic and non-historic landscapes, trees, roads, walks, forest paths, and property lines. This position is classified as essential and must participate in all emergencies, ice and snow removal, and special events. Valid driver's license required. The position will require some weekend and holiday work.


Essential Duties

• Performs the practices that accomplish the estate's turf management program by mowing, trimming, weeding, and applying weed control and fertilization.
• Keep the landscaped areas groomed by raking, edging, mulching, applying weed control, and pruning
• Maintain roads and fire lanes that are clean, clear of debris, and free of potholes and ruts; accomplished by hand tools and power equipment
• Performs tree and debris removal, including hauling logs, cutting them to size for removal or splitting for firewood, and using hand tools, chainsaws, and chippers.
• Trash and recycling collection throughout the estate
• Assists with the maintenance of storm drainage systems by keeping storm drains and traps clean and clear, and by digging and replacing broken drainage pipes when necessary.
• Fall leaf removal by using a variety of hand tools, tarps, blowers, and vacuums
• Water trees, shrubs, and turf during establishment periods or during droughts
• Assists with construction projects by digging, mixing concrete, hauling materials, setting up fences, and operating a variety of equipment
• Supports other departments by assisting with office moves, moving boxes, rearranging furniture, and moving IT equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Valid driver's license
• Experience in operating a variety of farm and turf equipment, including tractors, trimmers, mowers, and blowers
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision

Work Environment

This role is performed entirely outdoors and is subject to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, and various plant materials is common. The environment may be noisy due to equipment use.
Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly. The employee must be able to regularly walk up and down hills and across pasture-like terrain in all weather conditions. The employee must be able to drag, carry, load, and unload various items. Use of hands and arms to operate landscaping tools and machinery is required. The role involves repetitive tasks and physical exertion throughout the day.

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and The General's Canteen
• Free parking
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.