Groundskeeper

Job Description

Groundskeeper I for the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital campus in Jamaica Plain. This is a full‑time position of 40 hours per week, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with days off on Saturday and Sunday.

• Maintain cleanliness and safety of hospital grounds, ensuring all entrances and exit ways are clear of obstacles.
• Remove trash from barrels, sweep walkways, and collect trash from parking areas on a daily basis.
• Maintain lawns, shrubbery, and flowers by mowing, watering, weeding, and applying pesticides and fertilizer as needed.
• Operate hand and power tools (lawn mowers, chain saws, pruning shears) and maintain equipment (fuel, oil changes, mechanical adjustments).
• Conduct snow removal activities including shoveling, snow blowing, salting, and operating snow blowers and skid steer.
• Trim, prune, cut, and plant flowers and bushes; add or replace mulch.
• Install exterior signage in identified areas.
• Oversee parts, supplies, and equipment inventory.

• Knowledge of safety practices in groundskeeping, landscaping, and snow removal.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skill in operating landscaping equipment such as lawn mowers, rototillers, and snowblowers.
• Skill in using hand‑held power tools such as chain saws and hedge trimmers.

• Knowledge of agency forms and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Understanding of agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Application of OSHA regulations and Department of Food and Agriculture regulations where applicable.

• Physical stamina and endurance.
• Lift and carry heavy objects.
• Stand for prolonged periods.
• Safely use and climb ladders and trees.

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility located in Jamaica Plain, Boston. The hospital provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care and includes 248 inpatient beds (95 psychiatric, 29 correctional). It also operates a full outpatient clinic serving patients of mental health, correctional, and community agencies, and hosts a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients.

First consideration will be given to those who apply within the first 14 days. Minimum entrance requirements:
None.

Special requirements include:

• Current valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Possession of an appropriate hoisting license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety may be required based on assignment.
• Possession of a pesticide applicator's certificate issued by the Pesticide Bureau, Department of Food and Agriculture may be required based on assignment.

Salary is determined by experience, education, and internal compensation structure. For bargaining unit positions, salary follows the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Employment with the Commonwealth includes a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 requires certain staff to be vaccinated for COVID‑19 and influenza or to take required mitigation measures.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Official

Title:

Groundskeeper I
Primary

Location:

Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Schedule: Full‑time
Shift: Day
Working Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: $42,889.60 – $54,649.40 per year
Bargaining Unit: 02‑AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Potential Hybrid Work Availability: No