Skilled Groundskeeper

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: .

There is currently an opening for a Skilled Groundskeeper. They will work with infrequent supervision and has the responsibility for planning and assisting with the scheduling of special projects. The Skilled Groundskeeper is also responsible for scheduling routine road repair, water feature maintenance and maintenance of historical landscape features. They should be proficient in landscape disciplines of:

• Horticulture
• Forestry
• Turfgrass Management
• Operation of Landscape Equipment
• Snow Removal
• Athletic Fields

The Skilled Groundskeeper performs skilled and highly skilled work in the fields of arboriculture, agronomy, soil science, horticulture and heavy equipment operation and has acquired a sufficient combination of education, training and experience ordinarily required of a journeyman. They may oversee the work of one or more employees.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Install new landscape plantings
• Tree installations
• Assists in direction of special projects
• Road repair
• Permanent sign installation
• Water feature maintenance and cleaning
• Assists in directing tree removal and pruning projects
• Specialty maintenance of historical landscapes
• Maintain and repair an array of irrigation systems including lawns, landscape areas and athletic fields
• Heavy equipment operation
• Snow and ice removal by hand and with motorized equipment
• Leaf and litter removal
• Layout and mark athletic fields
• Horticultural pruning and thinning during the growing season
• Assist in the training of landscape staff in various landscape disciplines
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Turfgrass/horticulture/weed control
• Keep abreast of newly developed landscape techniques including agronomy, crop and soil science, and equipment maintenance by attending conferences and workshops paid for by Cranbrook
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Must be aware of proper procedures to use when encountering suspected asbestos containing material to avoid personal exposure, contamination of job site, and exposure of facility occupants to asbestos.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 2 years of work experience, or Associates degree with 4 years of work experience required. Degrees must be in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science or other related field.
• Certification by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator in two or more categories or obtain them within three to six months.
• Valid Michigan driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to read and understand landscape plans for use in planting and maintenance.
• Expert proficiency in operation of all types of landscape equipment.
• Ability to keep abreast of newly developed landscape techniques including agronomy, crop and soil science, and equipment maintenance by attending conferences and workshops.

OR:

• Six years' experience with two years supervisory or foreman experience
• Certification by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator in two or more categories or obtain them within three to six months.
• Valid Michigan driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• A National Association of Landscape Professionals certification or other industry recognized certification in a grounds related field.
• Ability to read and understand landscape plans for use in planting and maintenance.
• Expert proficiency in operation of all types of landscape equipment.
• Ability to keep abreast of newly developed landscape techniques including agronomy, crop and soil science, and equipment maintenance by attending conferences and workshops.

This is a full-time position; hours are Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:30pm. The pay rate is $27.51/hour.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer match. We also offer generous paid time off, 14 paid holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.