Job Title: Groundskeeper

Location: 3935 Sunnyside Drive Harrisonburg VA 22801

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm and Every Other Weekend (some evenings/weekends as needed for weather related events and emergencies). 

Position Overview & Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of the Groundskeeper are to participate in all aspects of grounds maintenance year-round; ensure upkeep and beautification of the entire campus, operation and preservation of grounds equipment as well as removal of snow and ice. 

• Maintain lawn areas, walks, flower beds and retaining walls by mowing, trimming and cultivating as scheduled. Keep areas free of weeds, trim as needed and leave areas free of debris.
• Sweep and clean driveways, patios, walks, doorways, etc. and keep free of debris.
• Maintain trash collecting schedule for community by picking up trash in assigned areas.
• Water lawns, shrubs and trees as scheduled using hose, portable sprinklers and fixed sprinklers; ensure equipment is used properly to adequately water various areas.
• Prune shrubs, hedges and trees as needed to maintain vegetation shape and improve growth.
• Spray to reduce inspects and improve overall appearance and growth of lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.
• Rake and remove leaves from grounds, clean drainage ditches and culverts, haul debris and recyclable material to approved landfill area or recycling center.
• Use yard and gardening tools/equipment, including but not limited to brooms, rakes, shovels, clippers as well as lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, blowers and weed spray equipment safely.
• Work independently and in small groups with little supervision while maintaining outlined timeframes and work quality.
• Distinguish between various types of flora, as well as the difference between flora and weeds and keep all garden areas well maintained.
• Mix and prepare in proper parts various chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers pursuant to manufacturer or other instructions in a safe manner.
• Maintain grounds equipment; follow safety instructions for all equipment.
• Remove snow and ice on walkways, entrances and steps using chemicals and other equipment to provide safe pathways.
• Assist with residential moves from one location to another.
• Ensure work orders are initiated and completed timely; prioritize work orders based on level of importance, communicate with individuals making the request and sure standard of the work is of the highest quality.
• Maintain and report inventory and equipment needs to supervisor with adequate time to replenish inventory.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Culture and Work Environment: Join a team you’ll be proud of at Sunnyside Retirement Community, where every team member is encouraged to S.H.I.N.E.: Service Before Self, Hospitality with Heart, Inspiring Excellence, Nothing Less Than the Best, and Enjoy Your Journey.  At Sunnyside, you’ll find flexibility, growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture. Our 150+ acre campus in the Shenandoah Valley offers a welcoming environment for both residents and staff. 

 Employee Benefits and Perks:

• Growth opportunities
• A safe environment
• On-site training
• An engaging atmosphere
• Health insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Pet Insurance
• Access to our Wellness Center
• And More

 Qualifications:  

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in mowing / landscaping and operating zero turn mowers.
• Must have overall knowledge of plants, trees and shrubs.
• Ability to process information accurately, make appropriate decisions and take appropriate action based upon the information available.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Current Virginia driver’s license and meets driver eligibility requirements per Sunnyside policy HR069 preferred.
• Strong customer service skills; maintain a hospitality approach to engaging with all individuals.  

Essential Job Duties

• Maintain lawn areas, walks, flower beds and retaining walls by mowing, trimming and cultivating as scheduled.  Keep areas free of weeds, trim as needed and leave areas free of debris.
• Sweep and clean driveways, patios, walks, doorways, etc. and keep free of debris.
• Maintain trash collecting schedule for community by picking up trash in assigned areas.
• Water lawns, shrubs and trees as scheduled using hose, portable sprinklers and fixed sprinklers; ensure equipment is used properly to adequately water various areas.
• Prune shrubs, hedges and trees as needed to maintain vegetation shape and improve growth.
• Spray to reduce inspects and improve overall appearance and growth of lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.
• Rake and remove leaves from grounds, clean drainage ditches and culverts, haul debris and recyclable material to approved landfill area or recycling center.
• Use yard and gardening tools/equipment, including but not limited to brooms, rakes, shovels, clippers as well as lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, blowers and weed spray equipment safely.
• Work independently and in small groups with little supervision while maintaining outlined timeframes and work quality.
• Distinguish between various types of flora, as well as the difference between flora and weeds and keep all garden areas well maintained.
• Mix and prepare in proper parts various chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers pursuant to manufacturer or other instructions in a safe manner.
• Maintain grounds equipment; follow safety instructions for all equipment.
• Remove snow and ice on walkways, entrances and steps using chemicals and other equipment to provide safe pathways.
• Assist with residential moves from one location to another.
• Ensure work orders are initiated and completed timely; prioritize work orders based on level of importance, communicate with individuals making the request and sure standard of the work is of the highest quality.
• Maintain and report inventory and equipment needs to supervisor with adequate time to replenish inventory.