Groundskeeper (with Equipment & Light Fleet Maintenance)

Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionABOUT CHETOLA RESORTFor over 180 years, Chetola Resort has offered guests a timeless mountain escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serving as the gateway to beautiful Blowing Rock, North Carolina as a luxury haven where adventure meets tranquility, Chetola blends refined hospitality with immersive outdoor experiences-from Orvis-endorsed fly fishing to award-winning dining, spa indulgence, and family-friendly recreation. Under new ownership, we are embracing an exciting new chapter rooted in thoughtful renewal, authentic elegance, and exceptional guest service. Blowing Rock boasts many of the most luxurious residences in all of the Carolinas, with an affluent clientele in a year-round destination.THE ROLEChetola Resort is seeking a hardworking, dependable Groundskeeper to help maintain our beautiful 75-acre property year-round. This is a hands-on, multi-skilled role where the majority of time is spent maintaining the resort's grounds, while also supporting the upkeep of our landscaping equipment and light-duty vehicle fleet. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining a pristine environment, and has basic mechanical aptitude to keep equipment and vehicles running efficiently.Role Breakdown85% Groundskeeping & Landscaping10% Small Engine & Equipment Maintenance5% Light Fleet Maintenance (basic vehicle upkeep)WHAT YOU'LL DOGrounds Maintenance (Primary Focus)Mow lawns, trim weeds, edge walkways, and rake leaves in assigned areasPick up and remove trash and debris across the propertyTrim and prune bushes, shrubs, hedges, and treesPrepare soil and plant flowers, bushes, hedges, or trees as neededApply fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides as directedMaintain the overall appearance and cleanliness of resort grounds to Chetola standardsEquipment & Small Engine Maintenance (10%)Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on landscaping equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, etc.)Change oil, replace spark plugs, clean filters, sharpen blades, and perform seasonal tune-upsIdentify equipment issues and escalate repairs when neededMaintain equipment logs and ensure tools are safe and ready for daily useLight Fleet Maintenance (5%)Assist with basic maintenance of resort vehicles and utility equipment, including:Golf carts (electric and gas-powered)Utility carts / side-by-sides (e.g., Gators)Light-duty resort trucks and maintenance vehiclesPerform routine tasks such as:Oil changes and fluid checksBattery maintenance and charging systems (especially for electric carts)Tire pressure checks and minor tire maintenanceBrake pad replacement (if experienced)Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of fleet vehiclesIdentify and report larger mechanical issues to leadership or external vendorsSeasonal & Safety TasksRemove snow and ice from sidewalks, pathways, entrances, and parking areas using shovels, snowblowers, or plowsMonitor walking paths, grounds, and outdoor spaces for potential safety hazardsSafely cut and remove fallen trees or branches when necessaryAssist with seasonal property preparation including leaf removal, spring cleanup, and winter readinessOther DutiesComplete assigned landscaping and maintenance projectsSupport special projects or resort needs as directed by leadershipMaintain a clean, organized, and safe work environmentResort SupportAssist with property setup for outdoor events, weddings, or seasonal resort activities when neededSupport special landscaping or beautification projects across the propertyWork collaboratively with other departments to ensure outdoor spaces support guest activities and eventsRequirementsATTENTION TO DETAIL IN ACTIONAt Chetola Resort, exceptional grounds and well-maintained equipment are not just operational-they are part of the guest experience. Attention to detail in this role means consistently noticing the small things and taking pride in getting them right the first time. In the Groundskeeper role, attention to detail looks like:Edging walkways and curbs with clean, straight lines that elevate the overall appearance of the propertyEnsuring lawns are evenly cut with no missed patches, clumps, or visible tire tracksTrimming shrubs and hedges with precision to maintain a polished, intentional look-not just "cut back"Proactively picking up debris, sticks, and litter-even outside of assigned areas-before guests ever noticeNoticing early signs of issues (dying plants, pest damage, irrigation problems) and addressing or reporting them quicklyCleaning equipment after use and returning it in ready-to-use condition for the next team memberCatching small mechanical issues early (unusual sounds, loose parts, worn blades, low fluids) to prevent larger breakdownsEnsuring golf carts, utility vehicles, and equipment are clean, charged/fueled, and fully operational before useApplying fertilizers, herbicides, and treatments carefully and accurately to protect both the landscape and guest safetyLeaving every space-whether a lawn, pathway, or work area-better than you found itThis role requires someone who takes pride in their work, holds themselves to a high standard, and understands that the details are what create the "Chetola experience" for every guest.ABOUT YOUReliable, efficient, and take pride in your workAble to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions year-roundHave a mechanical mindset and are comfortable performing basic equipment or vehicle maintenanceProfessional in demeanor and appearance, representing Chetola's standards at all timesUnderstand that well-maintained grounds are part of the guest experience and are committed to creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitorsComfortable working independently or as part of a teamTake ownership of tasks and pay close attention to detailREQUIREMENTSHigh school diploma or equivalent preferredPrevious landscaping or groundskeeping experience preferredBasic experience with small engine repair or mechanical maintenance strongly preferredOn-the-job training providedAbility to operate power landscaping equipment and use hand toolsStrong understanding of landscaping techniques and safety protocolsAbility to follow verbal and written instructions and complete tasks on timeExcellent time management and organizational skillsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMust be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snowMust be able to walk, stand, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout an entire shiftMust be able to navigate uneven terrain, slopes, wooded areas, and outdoor surfaces across the resortMust be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds regularly (more with assistance)Must be able to operate landscaping and maintenance equipment safely and effectivelyMust be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as digging, raking, shoveling, and snow removalMust be able to work with landscaping chemicals in accordance with safety guidelinesMust be able to respond quickly to urgent grounds or safety needs across the propertyMust be able to drive company vehicles or equipment on property (valid driver's license required)Availability to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on seasonal and operational needsWHY CHETOLAOne of the largest private employers in the county with a dynamic work setting and strong potential for career growthJoin a dedicated and growing team shaping the next era of a beloved mountain resortContribute meaningfully to a culture rooted in connection, craftsmanship, and careCompetitive payComprehensive benefits offered to full-time eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, and supplemental benefits as well as PTO, and on-property perks Chetola Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.