Groundskeeper Crew Lead

Groundskeeper Crew Lead performs responsible routine work as lead worker in the maintenance and cleaning of grounds in city parks, schools, right‑of‑way, public recreational facilities, and/or Downtown Mall. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Groundskeeper Supervisor.

HIRE AMOUNT: $23.42 – $28.78 per hour ($48,713.60 – $59,862.40 annually). Starting pay is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position including 13 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, city's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; there is a portability agreement with VRS for certain provisions. For questions pertaining to the portability agreement, contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434‑970‑3462.

NOTE: This opportunity is advertised with a continuous closing date. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position has been identified. Interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment process.

• Lead and perform activities at city parks, downtown mall, schools, right‑of‑way, and recreational facilities, including but not limited to:
  • Mowing and weeding grass, planting and mulching, and planting trees
  • Dragging and lining ball fields, preparing fields after the season by adding dirt and cutting sod, and removing grass off field
  • Fertilizing and reseeding turf
  • Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs, felling trees as needed
  • Finding and digging urn graves, marking areas for full graves and headstones
  • Managing fallen leaves; clearing and removing snow and ice off walkways
  • Cleaning up trash and debris
• Serve in a lead capacity: assigning tasks, reviewing work quality, providing guidance and technical assistance to crew and others
• Schedule work and ensure quality and safety standards are met. Coordinate with supervisor to prioritize scheduled and unscheduled work
• Track inventory to ensure necessary supplies, tools and equipment are available. Responsible for storage, application, disposal, documentation and recordkeeping of materials
• Operate city vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools and power tools; maintain equipment and ensure proper care in its use and upkeep
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and repairs
• Respond to applicable work orders or requests from the public and staff; interact effectively and professionally
• Complete work according to maintenance standards and checklists; report issues to supervisor to ensure proper operations and adherence to safety regulations and implement corrective measures
• Solve simple to more difficult problems and actively seek guidance when appropriate
• Be available to work weekends, nights, holidays or to be called back to work in weather or non-weather emergencies as needed to provide services to the public
• Maintain appropriate use and maintenance of city equipment, tools and other resources, including work time, and provide regular and reliable attendance

• Perform additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned

• High School diploma or GED and at least 3 years of experience in groundskeeping, turf maintenance, landscaping, or related area
• OR at least 5 years of experience in groundskeeping, turf maintenance, landscaping, or related area
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

• Registered Technician Pesticide License
• Obtain VDOT Flagger certification within 6 months of hire
• Must obtain and maintain a Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria
• Required to successfully pass a pre‑employment background check, physical, and drug screen