Groundskeeper

Job description

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empowers all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. **Position Title:** Groundskeeper **Department:** Grounds **Reports To:** Director of Grounds **FLSA Status:** Non-Exempt **Position Overview** Riverdale Country School is seeking a dedicated and reliable Groundskeeper to maintain the beauty, safety, and functionality of our campus grounds. This position is responsible for ensuring that all outdoor spaces are clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Groundskeeper will also support the Athletics Department by assisting with the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields both on and off campus. ### Essential Responsibilities - Maintain the appearance and condition of campus lawns, landscaped areas, and athletic practice fields. - Prepare, lay out, and mark athletic playing fields for practices and competitions. - Mow, water, fertilize, aerate, and maintain lawns and turf. - Plant, prune, mulch, water, and fertilize flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscape features. - Perform seasonal grounds maintenance, including leaf removal and snow and ice removal using equipment such as snow blowers, snowplows, and spreaders. - Keep campus grounds, walkways, parking areas, and surrounding facilities free of litter, debris, weeds, and other hazards. - Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs to irrigation systems. - Operate, clean, inspect, and maintain groundskeeping equipment, tools, and vehicles. - Follow all school safety policies and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). - Assist with campus setup and breakdown for school events, as needed. - Perform other duties as assigned to support the Facilities and Operations team. ### Qualifications - High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required. - Minimum of two (2) years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field. - Knowledge of lawn care, athletic field maintenance, landscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal grounds maintenance. - Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. - Basic knowledge of small engine maintenance and repair. - Experience operating groundskeeping equipment, including tractors, commercial mowers, snow removal equipment, forklifts, and other power equipment. - Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions. - Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and attention to detail. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. ### Physical Requirements - Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. - Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding work for extended periods. - Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. - Sufficient strength, agility, and dexterity to safely operate groundskeeping equipment and perform manual labor.