Groundskeeper II - (260006IG)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)’s Western MA Hospital is looking for a Groundskeeper II to join its team. This role is responsible for the care and maintenance of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds and walks. In addition, this role assists professional tradespeople (e.g. carpenter, painter, electrician, etc.) on indoor projects/assignments, secondary to his/her grounds keeping responsibilities.This is a great opportunity for someone who is experienced in lawn management, snow removal, and facilities maintenance. The ideal candidate can work well individually as well as part of group projects.Please note: The schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm. May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays based on operational need.Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):· Trims, prunes, weeds, cuts and plants flowers, grass and brush, utilizing proper equipment and methods in order to ensure the beauty of the hospital grounds.· Maintains upkeep of lawns through seeding, watering, weeding and fertilizing, by using the appropriate methods and materials, so that lawns are kept groomed and healthy.· Participates in shoveling snow, sanding roads and walks and other tasks in connection with snow removal, by utilizing shovels, snowplows, sanders and other equipment or methods.· Maintains cleanliness of grounds by performing duties such as picking up trash, emptying rubbish barrels, cigarette bins and cleaning drains, ditches or catch basins.· Provides on-the-job training to assigned workers and monitors the activities of employees involved in grounds keeping work to ensure compliance with established standards.· Makes minor repairs to sidewalks, roadways and parking lots and clears them of snow and ice.· Performs related duties such as emptying rubbish barrels; picking up trash; cleaning ditches, drains and catch basins on grounds or roadways, shoveling snow and raking/clearing leaves.· Maintains and ensures operational readiness, of related equipment. Required Qualifications:· Ability to understand and apply the rules, regulations, procedures, specifications and standards governing unit activities.· Ability to follow oral and written instruction.· Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.· Willingness to lift and carry heavy objects.· Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather.· Ability to exercise sound judgement.· Working knowledge of the care and maintenance of lawns and grounds.· Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.· Ability to gather information by questioning individuals and examine records and documents.· Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.· Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information. Preferred Qualifications: · Knowledge of the procedures followed in groundskeeping work.· Knowledge of the types and uses of materials and equipment used in groundskeeping.· Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in groundskeeping.· Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in groundskeeping.· Knowledge of the care and proper maintenance of equipment used in groundskeeping.· Knowledge of the types and uses of hand-held power tools such as chain saws, hedge trimmers etc.· Knowledge of the techniques followed in weed control.· Knowledge of the types and uses of pesticides.· Skill in operating equipment used in groundskeeping work such as lawn movers, rototillers, weed control devices etc.· Skill in the use of hand-held power tools such as chain saws, hedge trimmers etc.· Knowledge of the procedures followed in pruning and cutting trees. About the Department of Public Health:The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in landscaping, groundskeeping, park maintenance or tree maintenance work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions: I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or landscape architecture may be substituted for the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
I. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
II. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid appropriate hoisting license, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, may be required.
III. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid pesticide applicator's certificate issued by the Pesticide Bureau, Department of Food and Agriculture, may be required. Comprehensive BenefitsWhen you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Groundskeeper II
: United States-Massachusetts-Westfield-91 East Mountain Rd
: Agriculture
: Department of Public Health
: Full-time
: Day
: Sep 29, 2026, 3:11:18 PM
: 1
: 45,178.64 - 58,341.14 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Sandra Semedo - 6173524250
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
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