Groundskeeper

About Sweet Piedmont

We are a regenerative, small-scale flower farm on about 5 acres of land. We make boutique flower varieties accessible to Loudoun County through subscription bouquet services, design workshops, You-Pick events, and more. Additionally, we provide educational resources to other flower farmers growers. You can learn more about us at our website: www.sweetpiedmont.com or via Instagram @sweetpiedmont.

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Farm Groundskeeper to maintain the pristine appearance and functionality of our farm grounds. This individual will be responsible for routine landscaping tasks, weed prevention, and providing occasional support to our Farm Manager on seasonal projects. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail, excellent time management skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently to ensure the beauty and sustainability of our farm landscape. This positions requires the use of power tools and riding mowers/tractors, all of which are provided. Our Groundskeeper reports to our Farm Manager, who is always on site to provide direction, guidance, and some good laughs!

Responsibilities

• Mowing lawns and fields
• Blowing leaves and debris
• Edging around fences, garden beds, walkways, and obstacles
• Mulching and laying of ground cover (such as landscape fabric/gravel)
• Turning compost piles
• Weeding beds, pathways, gravel walkways, and mulched areas
• Pruning and shaping bushes and trees
• Building/repairing simple retaining walls and maintaining/repairing fences
• Planting seasonal bushes, trees, or common landscaping plants
• Maintain landscaping equipment and tools
• Procure necessary fuels/oils for farm equipment and tools
• Assist with seasonal farm projects as needed

Job Requirements

• Safety Awareness: Commitment to following safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for oneself and others
• Landscaping Skills: proficient in common landscaping techniques such as mowing, blowing, weeding, edging, mulching, pruning, and shaping
• Handyman Skills: Ability to handle one-off projects and tasks, as well as perform minor repairs around the farm
• Plant Knowledge: Basic knowledge of plants, including identification, care requirements, and common pests or diseases
• Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure the farm grounds are immaculately maintained and aesthetically pleasing
• Physical Fitness: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects, operating machinery, and working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Time Management: Effective time management skills to prioritize task sand complete them efficiently within deadlines
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Resourceful and able to troubleshoot issues that arise on the farm grounds, from equipment malfunctions to erecting temporary fences to deter deer
• Team Player: Willingness to collaborate with other farm staff and assist with farm initiatives as needed
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with farm managers and teammates regarding task assignments, progress updates, and any issues or concerns

Experience Qualifications

• Candidates must have experience with and confidence performing all Responsibilities listed above. This position is highly autonomous, meaning the Groundskeeper is responsible for owning the Responsibilities and Requirements listed above and executing their job with precision and efficiency to produce quality results

Season Length

• The working season for the Groundskeeper begins on Monday, March 3rd.
• The end of the season for the Groundskeeper is typically the middle of November, with a hard stop before the Thanksgiving holiday.
• December - February, our team takes the winter off!

Weekly Schedule

• Our farm team works Monday-Friday, starting shifts around 7 or 8 am and ending shifts around 12 or 1 pm. The Groundskeeper may choose to work five 4-hour days or four 5-hour days - we are flexible and simply ask for consistency once the season begins!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Morning shift
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20