Assistant Groundskeeper
Location: Smith College · Type: Full time · Posted: 2026-07-27 ·
Reference: R-202600355
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach
out to us at [email protected].
Department
Facilities 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.
Compensation
This 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.
You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the
Submit button.
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
[email protected].
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.
