Grounds Specialist

Job DescriptionDepartment:GroundsPay Rate Type:HourlyEmployee Type:Job Summary:Job PurposeColby’s campus comprises 714 acres including a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields. Most of Mayflower Hill, including all of the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, is a State Wildlife Management Area. Johnson Pond, the Campbell Trails for running and cross-country skiing, a student-run organic garden, and vast areas of wide-open space provide reasons to enjoy Colby’s campus year-round.The grounds specialist position will perform the tasks necessary to maintain the College grounds, support campus events, perform moving, and set-ups as required. This is a full-time position with benefits.Essential FunctionsTo perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.Maintain the College grounds including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal. Provide support to projects which enhance the campus including new plantings, mulching, signage, and other small projects. Set up facilities for college events and provide necessary supportMove furniture and other materials on campus and within the local area. Perform work, as assigned, to properly maintain athletic facilities including the lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations. Complete manual tasks as required to meet the needs of the College, such as digging, shoveling, lifting, pushing, and similar tasks requiring physical labor. Properly and safely operate grounds department equipment, as assigned by the supervisor, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat. Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground’s equipment. Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditionsOversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to college standardsProperly and safely operate all handheld equipment including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc. Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury to self and others to prevent damage to any material, equipment, or property, and to follow all prescribed safety rules and procedures. Safely operate tools and equipment necessary to perform job duties. Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnelCommunicate effectively and personably with a diverse community of people. Follow all safety rules and procedures. Respond to emergency calls as necessary. Independently respond to work order and requestsPerform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Position QualificationsEducation and/or experience:High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post-secondary education are a plus. Experience working in similar ground positions is strongly desired. Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements. Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as to adjust as new projects are assigned. Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community. Solid communication skills in order to work collaboratively with members of a diverse community and to provide excellent customer service. Preferred Qualifications or Skills:Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases. Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule. Prior experience in using equipment, including but not limited to: Aerial lifts, chipper, chipper truck, pickup truck, hauling equipment, utility vehicle, stump grinder, chain saw, pole saw, hand saw, pruner, skid steer, personal protective equipment, blower, fertilizer, pesticides. Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements. Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment, etc. This position requires the ability to work outdoors for 8 hours a day and more during a weather event. This position requires the ability to be exposed to nature’s elements – sun, wind, rain, and snow, temperature extremes. Must be able to communicate effectively written and verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters. Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical/Mental DemandsThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy. This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs. In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role. This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations. Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed. The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.. The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity. To Apply:Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.