Facility & Grounds Operations Technician

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.

The Grounds Maintenance Technician is responsible for the upkeep, safety, and enhancement of outdoor spaces within the organization. This role involves performing a variety of landscaping, groundskeeping, and seasonal snow removal tasks to ensure that lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, walkways, parking lots, and all exterior areas are well-maintained, accessible, and visually appealing. The position requires the ability to work in all weather conditions, operate specialized equipment, including snow trucks—and maintain a safe and well-kept environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

• Mow, edge, and trim lawns using hand or power tools.
• Aerate, dethatch, seed, and fertilize lawns.
• Maintain irrigation systems to ensure proper watering.

• Plant, water, prune, and trim trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Mulch and weed landscaped areas.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as needed.

• Perform snow removal on sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, walkways, steps, and building entrances.
• Spread salt, sand, or de-icer materials to prevent ice accumulation.
• Drive and operate snow trucks, plow trucks, or other CFI-operated snow vehicles to clear parking lots and designated roadways.
• Operate snow removal equipment including snow blowers, plows, salt spreaders, walk-behind and ride-on snow equipment.
• Respond to snow and ice conditions during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and emergency weather situations.
• Perform regular checks, cleaning, fueling, and maintenance of snow removal vehicles and equipment.

• Maintain and repair groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, snow blowers, plows, and blowers.
• Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are properly stored and in good working conditions.

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, or equipment problems to management immediately.

• Clear debris from walkways, parking lots, landscaped areas, and other exterior spaces.
• Assist with seasonal cleanup, special projects, and outdoor event support as needed.
• Complete work orders assigned by property management and maintain accurate records.

Additional duties may be assigned by supervisors as necessary to meet organizational needs and operational requirements.

High School Diploma or GED required.

• Knowledge of landscaping and ground maintenance techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment.
• Ability to safely drive and operate snow trucks, plow trucks, and other snow removal vehicles.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate snow removal machinery under winter weather conditions.
• Basic understanding of plant care, pest control, and irrigation systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and winter storms.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods.

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran…