Basking Ridge Groundskeeper

Basking Ridge Groundskeeper

Basking Ridge, NJ

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John

F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century.

Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity.

Position Summary

Groundskeepers play a vital role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and appearance of Pingry's nearly 200-acre Basking Ridge campus, an active educational, athletic, and event environment serving Middle and Upper School students. This is not a typical high school grounds position. The work includes maintaining landscaped areas, walkways, roads, outdoor gathering spaces, and a heavily used athletics complex with seven outdoor playing fields, a track, 12 tennis courts, and a cross-country course.

Reporting directly to the Grounds Supervisor, the Groundskeeper is a hands-on and versatile member of the Facilities and Grounds team. In this role, you will help prepare and maintain facilities that support 35 Upper School varsity teams across the fall, winter, and spring seasons, as well as Middle School and junior varsity athletics, summer programs, rentals, and all-community events. Groundskeepers are central to creating the field quality, safety, appearance, and event readiness needed for daily campus life and high-profile athletic use.

Pingry's athletic facilities are recognized well beyond the school community. The Miller

A. Bugliari '52 World Cup Soccer Field has hosted training visits from organizations including AC Milan, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Costa Rica's national team. In 2026, Pingry served as Morocco's Team Base Camp Training Site for the FIFA World Cup. This work requires a team member who takes pride in maintaining a complex, active campus and understands how excellent grounds care directly supports student life, athletics, events, and the overall Pingry experience.

This is a 12-month, full-time hourly position with regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexibility is essential, as occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required for large-scale events, snow removal, athletic competitions, and weather-related campus needs.

Candidates with military service, trade school training, or prior experience in parks, golf courses, athletic facilities, or large-property maintenance are encouraged to apply. Hands-on skill, attention to detail, adaptability, and a collaborative approach are highly valued on the Grounds Crew team.

What will help you succeed:

• You take pride in maintaining outdoor spaces that are safe, attractive, and welcoming. Whether painting athletic-field lines, pruning seasonal landscaping, or caring for turf, you understand that the condition of the campus contributes to the daily experience of students, employees, families, and visitors.
• You enjoy hands-on, physical work and adapt comfortably to changing seasonal needs. You may move from operating grounds equipment or tractors to assisting with hardscape repairs, walkway maintenance, snow removal, or outdoor event setup.
• You remain dependable and focused when priorities shift. During weather events, athletic competitions, and large community gatherings, you respond calmly, communicate with your supervisor, and help the team address time-sensitive needs.
• You follow safety procedures and equipment protocols carefully. You recognize potential hazards, including icy walkways, damaged fencing, uneven surfaces, and equipment concerns, and report or address them promptly.
• You work well as part of a collaborative crew. You communicate clearly, share responsibility for team projects, and interact professionally and helpfully with colleagues and members of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Athletic Field and Facilities Care Maintain grass and synthetic turf surfaces through mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aerating, painting field lines, and setting up and relocating athletic equipment. Assist with the care of tennis courts, tracks, outdoor athletic spaces, and surrounding grounds.
• Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Perform seasonal landscaping and grounds-care activities, including…