Grounds Assistant

Job Description

The Grounds Assistant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day care and maintenance of a historically significant cultural landscape and its buildings. The Grounds Assistant will play a dual role in facilities and horticulture and will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director.
The Grounds assistant will trim hedges, mow lawns, perform basic repairs, maintenance and cleaning of all buildings, grounds, and equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience in landscaping, including weeding, mulching, and planting. Knowledge of trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical repair is a plus.
Greenwood is looking for an individual with a positive attitude who maintains a high professional standard and is willing to undertake physical work in all types of weather. The candidate must be punctual, hard-working, conscientious, and able to follow directions and to work independently as well as being a team player. The ability to learn and a general knowledge of plants is essential. This position is full-time (37.5 hours per week), non-exempt, Monday through Friday.

About Us

Greenwood Gardens, a non-profit public garden and historic site, is seeking a full-time Grounds Assistant who performs a dual role as a Gardening and Facilities Assistant.

OVERVIEW:
Greenwood Gardens is a historically significant 28-acre public garden and former private estate whose mission is to connect people with nature and the arts in a historic garden oasis. Open to the public for free-roam visitation since 2013, Greenwood continues in its efforts to preserve and enhance its gardens, architecture, and landscape for the education and enjoyment of the public, guided by a five-year Strategic Plan. Its terraced gardens, meadows, woodlands, grottoes, and teahouses were designed in the early twentieth century by William W. Renwick. A time capsule of New Jersey’s gracious past and a haven of tranquility in the busy New York metropolitan area, the site’s original sweeping vistas have been preserved and extended on all sides by designated parkland.

Duties & Responsibilities

Grounds: Lawn mowing, weed trimming, leaf cleanup, pruning/removals of trees and shrubs, lawn
aeration, de-thatching, seeding, watering, snow removal, and storm clean-up.

Gardens: Weeding, removal of invasive vines and trees, hedge trimming, edging, planting, pruning, grooming, staking, mulching and watering of display areas.

Buildings: Light carpentry repairs, painting, gutter cleaning, plumbing repairs, fence repair, HVAC
preventative maintenance, light bulb replacement, garbage removal, bathroom cleaning and re-
stocking.

Equipment: Preventative maintenance and repair of mowers, trimmers, blowers, golf carts, utility
vehicles, and pick-up trucks. Operate power landscape equipment and vehicles.

Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, regular pen cleaning, restocking of food.

Visitor Services: Check for parking issues, ensure gates are closed and secure, clean and stock restrooms, and provide a security presence on the site.

Event and Program Support: Set-up and break-down of tables, chairs, generators, extension cords,
and AV equipment.

Education and Experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years’ experience working as a landscaper, groundskeeper or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to lift 75 lbs. and to perform strenuous physical tasks in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to safely operate commercial lawn mowing equipment, golf carts, and other small equipment including string trimmer and backpack blowers.
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and good work ethic are essential to work with our team.

Additional Information

HOURS AND COMPENSATION:
$25.00-$28.00 per hour and full benefits.
Full-time, Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

Application Instructions

TO APPLY:
Please email resume to Richard Murphy, Deputy Director
rmurphy@greenwoodgardens.org
Greenwood Gardens
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078

No phone calls, please.