Grounds Specialist

Job Description

Colby’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.

• 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 support.
• Move furniture and other materials on campus and within the local area.
• Perform work 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 grounds equipment.
• Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditions.
• Oversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to college standards.
• Properly 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 and 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 personnel.
• Communicate 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 requests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post‑secondary education are a plus.
• Experience working in a similar grounds position 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 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.

• Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule.
• Prior experience in using equipment, including 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.
• This position…