Grounds Specialist

The Grounds Specialist will maintain the 714‑acre Colby College campus, support campus events, and perform moving and set‑ups as required.

• Maintain the College grounds, including mowing, raking, plant maintenance, lawn care, trail maintenance, and snow removal.
• Support projects that enhance the campus, such as 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.
• Maintain athletic facilities, including lawn care, playing surface maintenance, lining of fields, ice making, and ice grooming operations.
• Perform manual tasks such as digging, shoveling, lifting, and pushing to meet the needs of the College.
• Operate grounds‑department equipment safely, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, and bobcat.
• Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground’s equipment.
• Work in excavations or trenches; from ladders, scaffolds, or trees; and in all weather conditions.
• Oversee periodic assignments of students and summer employees to ensure work meets College standards.
• Operate handheld equipment safely, including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc.
• Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury and damage and follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Independently respond to work orders and requests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties may change at any time without notice.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post‑secondary education is a plus.
• Experience in a similar ground 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.
• Solid communication skills to work collaboratively with a diverse community and provide excellent customer service.
• Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete a tree‑work schedule.
• Prior experience with equipment such as aerial lifts, chippers, trucks, hauling equipment, utility vehicles, stump grinders, chain saws, pole saws, hand saws, pruners, skid steers, PROTs, blowers, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors 8 hours a day and more during weather events.
• Ability to be exposed to nature’s elements: sun, wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with supervisors and the general public.