Grounds and Landscaping Specialist

position: Grounds and Landscaping Specialist
Department: Facilities and Road Maintenance
Reports to: Road Maintenance Manager
Last Updated: June 2026

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Road Maintenance Manager, the Grounds and Landscaping Specialist is responsible for performing maintenance, native stewardship and ornamental plantings on all Township grounds and reserves as directed, from prioritized projects through the maintenance request process and/or as instructed by the Road Maintenance Manager. Responsibilities include planting, pruning, weeding, top-soil dressing and seeding, cultivating trees and flowers, mowing, string trimming, invasive species removal, and assisting with facilities maintenance tasks as needed. This position ensures all Township grounds and reserves are maintained, that all equipment is in efficient running order, and is cared for properly. Performs other duties as required for the successful operation of the Department.

Responsibilities:

• Performs maintenance and repairs on all Township grounds and reserves as directed from prioritized projects submitted through the established maintenance request process and/or as instructed by the Road Maintenance Manager.
• Perform landscape and turf maintenance at all Township grounds and reserves, including but not limited to: Mowing, string trimming, handheld and backpack blowing, hand weeding, tree and flower planting, mulching, pruning, trimming, chemical Application, deadheading, and invasive species removal and treatment.
• Conduct monthly safety inspections and routine safety audits of the playground equipment at Lenoci Reserve and Izaak Walton Reserve. Develop and maintain associated record keeping and address maintenance needs with Manager.
• Perform mowing, edging, raking, landscaping and trash removal at Township grounds and reserves.
• Perform landscape design, native stewardship-based landscape renovations and restorations, including invasive species removal and treatment, throughout Township grounds and reserves.
• Perform weeding, turf applications including herbicide, fertilizer, annual and perennial plantings, deadheading, and container plantings.
• Assist with facilities maintenance, including program setups, and general maintenance tasks as necessary due to weather, priorities, or staffing.
• Assists in maintaining a preventative maintenance program designed to retain buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment in safe operating condition.
• Assist in snow and ice removal of facility walkways, entrances, and parking lots through the use of snow removal equipment including shovels, snow blowers, and truck with snow plow attachment.
• Reports any safety or maintenance concerns or necessary tree or turf repairs to the Road Manager or Director.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct Summer Seasonal staff in mowing, mulching, invasive species removal, weeding, and plantings.

Other Job Functions:

Perform all other duties as assigned by the Road Maintenance Manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to complete assignments with minimal supervision accurately and with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment while utilizing strong evaluative and critical judgment skills.
• Knowledge of associated hazards, and safety requirements associated with landscape maintenance including; herbicide application, chainsaw, and standard landscaping equipment safety including PPE.
• Knowledge of industry standard landscaping practices including herbicide application, landscape design, native restoration, planting, mulching, deadheading, and watering for trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and grasses.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in landscaping. building maintenance and repair.
• Ability to read, comprehend, listen to and follow basic verbal or written instructions and provide appropriate feedback.
• Ability to read, comprehend and/or create routine correspondence and memos using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.
• Ability to effectively convey information one-on-one or to small groups of employees or volunteers.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with elected officials, staff, residents, and vendors
• Ability to read and interpret all types of documents including safety rules and regulations, to include procedure and technical manuals.

education, experience, and Computer Skills:

• Associates degree in Horticulture, Forestry, or Natural Resources Management preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three years of experience in a landscape maintenance role focused on native stewardship and ornamental plantings.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office related applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to acquire class “B” CDL, State Herbicide Applicators license, and Playground Safety Inspector Certification within 12 months of hiring.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with reasonable accommodations.

• Must be able to sit, walk, stand, use fingers in a repetitive motion, twist and turn for long periods of time.
• The position may require some moderate lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with reasonable accommodations.

• This position is primarily executed outdoors. However, it may require indoor work at special event activity participation.
• This position requires occasional contact with extreme heat, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions.
• Contact with low noise levels common in an indoor working environment. Moderate noise levels may be experienced during certain activities.