Groundskeeper

Job Description

Provides routine maintenance of all grounds including lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, walkways and driving areas. Operates hand or machine powered equipment. May utilize other larger scale machinery as trained. May be assigned special projects and duties as determined by Assistant Grounds Manager/Grounds Manager or Director of Horticulture.

About Us

Blithewold is a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay and is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place Era. The property features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms, and is framed by a series of lovely gardens that range in character from mysterious to exotic and from poetic to practical. An exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, an accessible greenhouse, and whimsical stonework project a character that is romantic, fresh, and inspiring – and unique to Blithewold.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Cuts lawns using ride-on and push power mowers
• Trims and edges around walks, flower beds, walls and roads using clippers, weed cutters and edging tools
• Prunes shrubs and trees to improve growth and shaping by removing damaged stems, branches and limbs using pruners, shears, or chain saws
• Control growth of weeds and undesirable plants through herbicide and physical maintenance
• Improve growth of lawns, trees, shrubs as necessary with fertilizer and physical remedies
• Perform necessary mulching of areas with appropriate materials
• Assists in clean-up of leaves from all areas of the property as directed using machinery, rakes, or other equipment
• Assists in planting of herbaceous perennials, annuals, subshrubs, shrubs, trees, grass, and sods as directed using a variety of available tools
• Assists in maintenance of drain lines and drainage improvements
• Can be directed to irrigate areas of the property as needed
• Can perform maintenance of hand tools and machinery as needed
• Engage with visitors and staff in professional and respectful interactions including weekly, monthly, and yearly meetings and evaluations

Education and Experience

• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities
• Ability to maintain flexible behavior and approach towards assignments
• Ability to maintain organization and planning in a changing environment
• Ability to operate hand or machine powered tools
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with clean driving record
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• High School Degree or equivalent, Bachelors Degree in horticulture preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of documented grounds keeping or relevant horticultural experience
• Proficient in the safe operation and use of various landscape maintenance equipment

Additional Information

Work Schedule Monday-Friday 7-3:30. Special events may require occasional attendance on weekends, evenings and holidays.

Application Instructions

Contact Dan Christina, Director of Horticulture with letter of intent, resume, and 2 references with contact information by email at dchristina@blithewold.org. Position will be closed once appropriate applicant has been found.