Groundskeeper

Job Description

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is seeking a full-time groundskeeper. This role is responsible for assuring the overall pristine appearance of the estate by applying sound ground maintenance and proper maintenance of turf, historic and non-historic landscapes, trees, roads, walks, forest paths, and property lines. This position is classified as essential and must participate in all emergencies, ice and snow removal, and special events. Valid driver’s license required. The position will require some weekend and holiday work.

About Us

Open 365 days of the year, Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. Over 96 million people have visited Mount Vernon since 1860, when the estate officially opened to the public. Today, Mount Vernon welcomes an average of one million guests each year.

The estate, gardens, and farm of Mount Vernon totaled some 8,000 acres in the 18th century. Presently, an estimated 500 acres of this historic property have been painstakingly preserved along the banks of the Potomac River.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities:
Performs the practices that accomplish the estate’s turf management program by mowing, trimming, weeding, and applying weed control and fertilization.
Keep the landscaped areas groomed by raking, edging, mulching, applying weed control, and pruning
Maintain roads and fire lanes that are clean, clear of debris, and free of potholes and ruts; accomplished by hand tools and power equipment
Performs tree and debris removal, including hauling logs, cutting them to size for removal or splitting for firewood, and using hand tools, chainsaws, and chippers.
Trash and recycling collection throughout the estate
Assists with the maintenance of storm drainage systems by keeping storm drains and traps clean and clear, and by digging and replacing broken drainage pipes when necessary.
Fall leaf removal by using a variety of hand tools, tarps, blowers, and vacuums
Water trees, shrubs, and turf during establishment periods or during droughts
Assists with construction projects by digging, mixing concrete, hauling materials, setting up fences, and operating a variety of equipment
Supports other departments by assisting with office moves, moving boxes, rearranging furniture, and moving IT equipment
Performs other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Qualifications:
Position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience
Valid driver’s license
Experience in operating a variety of farm and turf equipment, including tractors, trimmers, mowers, and blowers
Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision

Work Environment:
This role is performed entirely outdoors and is subject to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, and various plant materials is common. The environment may be noisy due to equipment use.

Physical Requirements:
The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly. The employee must be able to regularly walk up and down hills and across pasture-like terrain in all weather conditions. The employee must be able to drag, carry, load, and unload various items. Use of hands and arms to operate landscaping tools and machinery is required. The role involves repetitive tasks and physical exertion throughout the day.

Additional Information

Compensation:
$17.00-$21.00/hour

Benefits:
403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
Employee recognition at 5 years of service
Monthly employee events
Employee referral program
On-site Library
Discount on Public Event Tickets
Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
Free parking
Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
Flexible spending account for medical care

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Application Instructions

Please apply through our online portal at https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/E4605649