Head Groundskeeper

Head Groundskeeper

Reports to:Director of Facilities and Operations

Salary Range:$55000 - $70000 annually this position would be exempt

About Minnehaha Academy

Minnehaha Academy is a top-tier private Christian Pre-K to 12 school in Minnesota celebrated for offering students a rich and diverse educational experience rooted in Christian values. As a ministry of the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church we draw on a strong tradition of academic excellence and we are committed to nurturing each students unique strengths and abilities in a caring supportive environment. Our mission is to provide a high-quality education integrating Christian faith and learning so students grow in wisdom stature and favor with God and others.

Our two school campuses are located on the shores of the Mississippi River that runs through Minneapolis among its many vibrant communities offering wonderfully diverse cultural experiences exquisite nature parks and many local cuisine options.

Job Description

The Groundskeeperprovides strategic leadership and daily operational oversight to ensure that our campus remains safe functional and visually inviting for students staff and visitors. This role is responsible for directing the care and maintenance of all outdoor spacesincluding lawns gardens walkways athletic fields and common areaswhile directly supervising grounds teams.

Balancing hands-on support with administrative leadership the Head Groundskeeper oversees event logistics seasonal operations safety compliance and preventative maintenance. With an eye for excellence and a commitment to servant leadership Head Groundskeeper fosters a collaborative team environment that reflects our communitys values enhances daily experiences and provides an exceptional first impression of our campus.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Personnel Management

• Supervise mentor and evaluatefacilities grounds fostering a positive productive and faith-aligned work culture.

• Create manage and adjust daily work schedules shift assignments and seasonal labor allocations to ensure optimal campus coverage.

• Lead training initiativesfor staff regarding equipment operation safety protocols chemical handling (OSHA/SDS) and efficient maintenance techniques.

• Conduct performance reviews address personnel issues and assist in the hiring and onboarding of new department team members.

Campus Appearance and Upkeep

• Oversee the comprehensive maintenanceof lawns trees shrubs and flower beds directing mowing trimming fertilization and seasonal planting programs.

• Establish quality standardsfor weed control debris removal and litter management to guarantee a pristine campus environment.

• Develop and execute seasonal plansfor large-scale operations including snow and ice removal leaf collection and holiday decoration installations.

• Manage vendor relationshipsfor contracted services such as commercial tree trimming major landscaping projects.

• Maintain inventory and service recordsfor all grounds equipment and exterior fixtures (signage benches fences).

• Execute turf management practice of aeration overseeding topdressing verticutting fertilizing and weed control

Custodial Oversight

Applicable to Ice Arena and the Campus Garage

• Coordinate and audit basic cleaning sanitation and minor building maintenance schedules (sweeping mopping vacuuming trash removal) across all shifts.

• Develop and implement standardized cleaning proceduresto maintain a healthier safer and more efficient environment for working and learning.

Event Support Coordination

• Serve as a point of contactfor school event logistics collaborating with administrative staff to understand staging and equipment needs.

• Delegate and oversee the setup and takedownof furniture staging and specialized equipment for assemblies athletic events musical performances and community functions.

• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with the athletic department trainers and coaches.

General Maintenance & Operations Management

• Supervise basic electrical and plumbing troubleshooting(e.g. light fixtures ballast replacements drain clearing faucet/toilet repairs).

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Leadership & Collaboration:Proven ability to manage motivate and develop a diverse team of operational staff.

• Technical Expertise:Advanced familiarity with commercial grounds equipment building automation systems automated sprinkler system and facility security procedures.

• Maintenance Proficiency:Strong hands-on skills in hardware repair light plumbing sprinkler repair vehicle maintenance and basic electrical troubleshooting.

• Project & Time Management:Excellent organizational skills to balance daily work orders long-term projects and emergency responses.

• Communication & Customer Service:Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally with school leadership staff students and external vendors.

• Safety Mindset:Deep commitment to maintaining OSHA compliance chemical safety and hazard-free educational spaces.

Education/Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experiencein facilities grounds keeping or property management withat least two (2) years in a direct supervisory or team leadership role.

• Have or willingness to obtain an applicator license.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; an Associates Degree technical certifications (e.g. Certified Grounds Manager Certified Executive Housekeeper) or formal trade training is highly preferred.

• Valid drivers license and a clean driving record required for operating school vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift carry push or pull objects up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally assist with heavier equipment.

• Ability to withstand long periods of standing walking and active physical labor across a multi-acre campus.

• Sitting for long periods of time while operating equipment.

• Comfortable climbing ladders scaffolding and moving within confined facility spaces.

• Must be available to respond promptly to after-hours alarms severe weather events and facility-related emergencies.

• Comfortable withstanding prolonged exposure to outdoor weather elements dust fumes odors and standard cleaning chemicals.

• Accepts and will manage team safety protocols regarding the handling of bodily fluids during routine waste disposal and sanitation activities.

If you are interested in working at Minnehaha Academyplease visit to complete the online application and attach a resume.

Minnehaha Academy is an equal opportunity employer.