Groundskeeper

About St. Mark’s

Founded in 1906, St. Mark's School of Texas is a non-sectarian, college-preparatory, independent day school for boys in grades one through twelve. The School’s charter states that it is “designed to afford its students well-rounded physical, intellectual, moral, and religious training and instruction.” The School is intended to be a diverse community of teachers and students who share a love of learning and who strive for high achievement in whatever they undertake.

St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world. To this end, the School professes and upholds certain values. These values include the discipline of postponing immediate gratification in the interests of earning eventual, hard-won satisfaction; the responsibility of defending one’s own ideas, of respecting the views of others, and of accepting the consequences for one’s own actions; and an appreciation for the lively connection between knowledge and responsibility and the obligation to serve.

 

Position Description

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the school’s outdoor areas, athletic fields, landscaping, walkways, and other exterior facilities in a safe, clean, attractive, and functional condition. This position supports a positive learning environment by ensuring that school grounds are well maintained and safe for students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors. The Groundskeeper reports to the Assistant Director of the Physical Plant under the direction of the Director of the Physical Plant.

The Groundskeeper works closely with the Physical Plant Department and various members of the school community and may assist with general maintenance, event preparation, and other campus needs as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, flower beds, trees, shrubs, and other campus vegetation

• Mow, edge, trim, fertilize, seed, aerate, and water lawns as needed

• Prune shrubs, trees, and other landscaping to maintain a neat appearance and appropriate visibility around campus

• Maintain athletic fields and recreational areas, including mowing, field preparation, marking/striping, and general upkeep as required

• Remove weeds, leaves, branches, litter, and other debris from school grounds

• Keep sidewalks, entrances, parking areas, playground areas, and outdoor gathering spaces clean and free of hazards

• Inspect school grounds regularly and promptly report or correct unsafe conditions, including damaged sidewalks, fencing, playground equipment, irrigation systems, or landscaping

• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers, tractors, utility vehicles, and hand tools

• Perform routine cleaning and minor maintenance of groundskeeping tools and equipment

• Monitor and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems and report or perform minor repairs when necessary

• Assist with seasonal grounds maintenance and weather-related cleanup

• Support campus setup and cleanup for athletic events, school programs, graduation, outdoor activities, and other special events

• Assist the maintenance/facilities team with minor repairs, moving equipment or furniture, deliveries, and other campus projects when needed

• Follow established safety procedures when operating equipment and handling fertilizers, herbicides, cleaning products, or other materials

• Properly store tools, equipment, chemicals, and supplies in accordance with school safety procedures

• Work carefully around students, particularly during arrival, dismissal, recess, athletic activities, and other periods when students are outdoors

• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with students, employees, parents, visitors, vendors, and contractors

• Respond appropriately to urgent maintenance or grounds-related situations when assigned

• Must maintain appropriate professional conduct and follow all school policies regarding student safety, campus security, and interactions with community members

• Perform other duties related to campus grounds and facilities as assigned by the supervisor within the Physical Plant Department

• High School diploma or equivalent (Associate's or certification in landscaping/horticulture preferred)

• 3-5 years of experience in groundskeeping or landscaping

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience

• Knowledge of landscaping techniques, irrigation systems, and plant care

• Ability to operate and maintain grounds equipment

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Basic knowledge of safety procedures and regulations

Physical Requirements/Working Environment 

• Perform physically demanding outdoor work for extended periods
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, push, and pull
• Regularly lift and carry materials, tools, and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds, with heavier lifting performed with assistance or appropriate equipment
• Safely operate landscaping and groundskeeping equipment
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and direct sunlight
• Work around dust, grass, pollen, landscaping materials, equipment noise, and other conditions normally associated with grounds maintenance

Qualified candidates must complete an online application, including a cover letter and resume.