Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Department: Grounds & Golf
Reports To: Grounds & Golf Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: Woodberry Forest School, Madison, Virginia

About Woodberry Forest School

Woodberry Forest School, located in Madison, VA, is an exceptional private boarding school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest for boarding schools in Virginia, and one of the largest private school campuses in the country.

The campus is a distinctive blend of historic architecture, mature landscapes, athletic fields, recreational spaces, natural areas, and a championship golf course. The Grounds & Golf Department is responsible for maintaining and enhancing this unique environment while preserving Woodberry's historic character and supporting the daily life of the school community.

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper is an essential member of the Grounds & Golf Department and contributes to the care, appearance, safety, and long-term stewardship of Woodberry Forest School's 1,200-acre campus.

The successful candidate will perform a variety of landscape and grounds maintenance activities, including turf care, mowing, landscaping, horticulture, athletic field maintenance, irrigation, planting, pruning, and seasonal campus operations. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a professional team.

The Groundskeeper will work throughout the campus and may support the maintenance of athletic fields, ornamental landscapes, natural areas, roadsides, and other outdoor spaces. The position offers an opportunity to develop skills in a broad range of grounds management practices while contributing to a campus that is nationally recognized for its beauty and tradition.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, and general landscape upkeep.

• Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance equipment, including commercial mowers, string trimmers, blowers, utility vehicles, tractors, and other specialized equipment.

• Assist with the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and recreational areas.

• Perform landscape installation and maintenance, including planting, mulching, pruning, weeding, and seasonal flower displays.

• Assist with turfgrass management practices, including aerification, seeding, fertilization, topdressing, and other cultural practices.

• Assist with irrigation system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.

• Maintain landscaped areas and outdoor spaces to established departmental standards.

• Assist with leaf collection, snow and ice response, storm cleanup, and other seasonal operations.

• Support campus improvement projects and special landscape projects as assigned.

• Identify and report issues involving trees, turf, irrigation, drainage, pests, diseases, equipment, and general landscape conditions.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.

• Properly operate, clean, inspect, and perform basic maintenance on equipment and tools.

• Follow all safety procedures and participate in required safety training.

• Work collaboratively with coworkers and supervisors and contribute positively to a team environment.

• Provide courteous and professional interactions with faculty, staff, students, visitors, and members of the Woodberry community.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Grounds & Golf Manager.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, turfgrass management, horticulture, golf course maintenance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 3+

• Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds maintenance equipment.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, standing, walking, and operating equipment for extended periods.

• Strong attention to detail and pride in the quality of work.

• Dependable, punctual, and willing to contribute as a member of a team.

• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned work efficiently and professionally.

• Ability to utilize technology and communicate through electronic means.

• Valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Preferred:

• Experience with commercial turfgrass or athletic field maintenance.

• Experience with irrigation systems.

• Experience with horticulture and landscape maintenance.

• Experience operating tractors, loaders, utility vehicles, and specialized grounds equipment.

• Pesticide applicator certification or willingness to obtain certification.

• Relevant education, certifications, or professional training in turfgrass management, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field.

Professional Expectations

Woodberry Forest School seeks individuals who take pride in their work and understand that excellent grounds maintenance requires consistency, teamwork, initiative, and attention to detail.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude.

• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities.

• Work cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

• Show initiative and a willingness to learn new skills.

• Be receptive to coaching, training, and professional development.

• Take pride in maintaining Woodberry's historic landscape and campus appearance.

• Contribute ideas and practical knowledge that improve department operations.

• Help create a positive work environment through professionalism, teamwork, and mutual respect.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position requires regular outdoor work in hot, cold, wet, and changing weather conditions. The Groundskeeper must be able to perform physical tasks associated with grounds maintenance, including prolonged periods of standing and walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and operating equipment.

The employee may occasionally be required to lift and carry materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds and work around operating machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, and other landscape maintenance products in accordance with established safety procedures.

Work Schedule

The Groundskeeper works a full-time schedule based on the operational needs of the Grounds & Golf Department. Seasonal, weekend, holiday, or emergency work may occasionally be required, including support for severe weather events, athletic events, and other campus activities.

Compensation and Benefits

Woodberry Forest School offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits includes health insurance, retirement plan participation, paid time off, and other benefits available to eligible employees.

Why Work at Woodberry Forest School?

Working at Woodberry offers the opportunity to be part of a highly collaborative team caring for one of the most distinctive school campuses in the country. The Groundskeeper will play a direct role in maintaining the beauty, functionality, and character of a historic 1,200-acre campus while supporting the educational mission and daily experience of the Woodberry community.

For an individual who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in exceptional grounds, and wants to grow professionally within a diverse and progressive Grounds & Golf operation, this position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution.