Lead Groundskeeper

Lead Groundskeeper

Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a Quaker, coed, academically-rigorous day and boarding school serving approximately 620 students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

Our school’s culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict.

Summary: The Lead Groundskeeper is responsible for the management, maintenance and curating of the school campus grounds, with attention to seasonal requirements. The SSFS campus consists of open green spaces, athletic fields, wooded trails, and paved/unpaved walkways, roadways and parking areas. Experience in the safety precautions applicable to ground maintenance. This is a full time position. On-call duty is required, as well as overtime; work schedules may vary.

Responsibilities:

• Responds to administrative work requests for completing work orders and projects in a timely, efficient, and productive manner.

• Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, planters, patios or other hardscape features, and execute and oversee removal of snow/ice from walks, driveways, or parking lots.
• Manage the campus trash, recycling and compost program.
• Responsible for oversight of all grounds contracted services.
• Maintain and repair structures, such as buildings, greenhouses, fences, or benches.
• Manage on-campus tree inventory; provide direction for the care and support of trees which occupy the main campus area.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• A High School diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as groundskeeper.
• Trained and experienced in the operation of vehicles, including, mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, front loader, etc.
• Trained and experienced in the operation of powered equipment and tools, including, snow blowers, chain saws, blowers, trimmers, sod cutters, trenchers
• Able to use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, axes, etc.
• Requires valid Maryland Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for School Bus (Class B, P-Passenger and S-School Bus Endorsements) and current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49 CFR 391.41-391.49). The school will provide training to acquire the CDL. CDL must be acquired within 6 months of being hired.

• Employee will agree to drive for SSFS for at least a year after acquiring their CDL.

Physical Requirements:

This is a highly physical position requiring but not limited to the following:

• Sitting less than 1 hour per day, standing greater than 7 hours per day, walking 3-7 hours per day ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds, push/pull greater than 50 pounds, climbing stairs/ladders 1-3 hours per day, moderate bending, excessive squatting and frequent twisting, kneeling, and reaching. Driving is a requirement.

• Also required is normal vision including distance, peripheral, and depth perception, normal visual color discrimination, normal hearing, and speaking/reading/writing English proficiently. Exposure to chemicals, noise levels above 85dB, dust, fumes, odors, humidity, as well as slippery and uneven surfaces should be expected.

Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.

Summary of Benefits:

Salary: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

At SSFS, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, along with life insurance for peace of mind at no cost to employees.
• Retirement Savings: 403(B) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave.
• Employee Assistance: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Tuition: Financial aid available to children of SSFS employees.
• Childcare Discounts: Discounted After Care and Summer Camp programs for employees' children.

• Convenience Perks: Free parking, free lunch, and access to our library and gym facilities.

Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School embraces the Quaker testimony of Equality and seeks applicants who represent all backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We greatly value our diverse student population and we actively seek faculty representatives of our students’ diversity. Click to learn more about diversity at Sandy Spring Friends School. Special consideration may be given to members of The Religious Society of Friends.

Please provide a cover letter, resume, completed application, and three professional references with your application.