Groundsperson

The Frederick Gunn School, founded in 1850, is a co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 as well as a post-graduate year. Mr. Gunn had a deep appreciation for the natural world, believing that in nature students understand themselves as humans and their place in the world. He took a principled stand against slavery and spurred students (and the town at large) to examine their beliefs. In addition to the habits and skills students will need in college and life beyond, we teach them to follow Mr. Gunn’s example: to cultivate wisdom, to be trailblazers, to act with conviction, and to value character as highly as intellect and achievement. 

Our continuous focus on moral character development intentionally engages all members of our school in the work of creating an inclusive and equitable living and learning ecosystem.  Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence, with individual diversity integral to the strength of that community. When we embrace difference and pursue school life with respect, equity, and compassion, we build a foundation for engaged citizens.

In keeping with the tenets of our founder Frederick Gunn, who was himself a prominent abolitionist and progressive educator, The Frederick Gunn School seeks to provide a pluralistic learning environment for all inclusive of (but not limited to): culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, learning differences, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.  

We invite applicants who resonate with our mission and who will foster an environment of cultural and intellectual richness and an active participant in advancing equity and inclusion.

Summary   

The duties will include but are not limited to, working independently, as well as a team member, to perform routine grounds maintenance. This position requires the performance of manual duties in connection with the upkeep of The Frederick Gunn School grounds, including the campus, roadways, a variety of natural and artificial turf athletic playing fields, and an ice rink. Assignments will vary and may include indoor as well as outdoor work, as the needs of the organization require, emphasizing quality of work to support high standards and appearance for the school’s best interests.

Job Schedule

• Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  
  
• May be adjusted by the supervisor as campus needs evolve.
  
  
• Occasional flexibility required to support special events, projects, or seasonal cleaning.

 

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $21.00–$23.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Eligible for overtime pay in accordance with school policy and applicable law.

Responsibilities   

• Maintain and care for lawns, trees, flower beds, parking lots, walkways, and athletic fields at an independent private secondary school.

• Operate equipment used for various landscape maintenance needs safely such as commercial mowers, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers.

• Monitor sprinkler systems and watering.

• Perform snow removal, including plowing, snow blowing, shoveling, and de-icing.

• Load and unload materials.

• Lift and move furniture.

• Support the maintenance of athletics fields, as directed

• Work with other team members to maintain the ice rink facility in a state of operational excellence, including ice surface, and systems maintenance during seasonal play.

• Respond to any required call-back activity to support facility needs, if assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training preferred.
  
• At least 2 years of considerable experience with landscaping maintenance.
  
  
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working collaboratively as a team member, as well as in a self-directed manner.
  
  
• Knowledge of methods and materials used in grounds maintenance.
  
  
• Strong attention to detail.
  
  
• Possess a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a licensed motor vehicle.

Physical Conditions

• Required to lift up to 75+ pounds.

• Bend, stoop, reach and kneel regularly.

• Climb several flights of stairs.

• Work with or be in areas where hazardous materials may be present.

• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with excessive dust, dirt, temperature, rain, or snow.

• Work in the ice rinks with cold temperatures.

• Stand for long periods of time.

• Sit for long periods of time on a tractor, or other equipment.

• Walk for long periods of time on different types of terrain.

• Overtime is occasionally required, especially during heavy inclement weather (part of the essential staff)

To Apply 

This position is a 12-month, full-time, non-exempt opening, paid hourly. Compensation is competitive, and the employment package includes excellent benefits, including outstanding health and dental coverage and a retirement plan. 

To apply, please complete our online application and upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (references will not be contacted without notifying you). Application materials are being accepted now, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.

The Frederick Gunn School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Except in cases of a bona fide occupational qualification or need, or except as otherwise permitted or required by law, The Frederick Gunn School does not discriminate against applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, intellectual disability, learning disability or physical disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected class status under applicable law with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, discharge from employment or other terms and conditions of employment. Position announcements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the job title and the education and skills required. Descriptions are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that are required or may be required in the future. 

BACKGROUND SCREENING: The Frederick Gunn School conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer, which includes using a third-party administrator to conduct the checks.