Job Summary

The Groundskeeper Lead is responsible for the day-to-day care and appearance of the Jones Center's 53-acre Springdale campus, including approximately 20 acres of turf, flowerbeds, and landscaped areas. This position leads a small grounds team, coordinates seasonal work, and serves as the primary point of contact for grounds operations. The Groundskeeper Lead works closely with the Facilities Director and Maintenance Supervisors to ensure the campus remains safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for the roughly 600,000 visitors we serve each year.

Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend or early morning work during peak seasons or special events. Schedule may vary based on operational needs.

Main Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance

• Mow, edge, and trim all turf areas on the Springdale campus on a regular schedule

• Maintain flowerbeds, shrubs, trees, and other plantings — including mulching, pruning, fertilizing, and seasonal planting.

• Apply pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments, fertilizers, and pesticides in compliance with label requirements and applicable regulations.

• Operate and maintain grounds equipment, including zero-turn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other power tools.

• Inspect irrigation systems, report issues, and perform basic irrigation adjustments and repairs.

• Keep walkways, parking lots, and common outdoor areas clean and free of debris.

• Remove snow and ice from walkways and building entrances as needed with help from the facilities team.

Team Leadership

• Lead, direct, and schedule the daily work of grounds crew members.

• Train new groundskeeping staff in safe equipment operation, proper techniques, and Jones Center standards.

• Communicate priorities and assignments clearly; report team progress to the Facilities Supervisor or Director.

• Model a positive, service-oriented attitude and a high standard of work quality.

Planning and Coordination

• Assist with seasonal grounds planning, including spring/fall cleanup, planting schedules, and turf renovation.

• Maintain a basic inventory of supplies, chemicals, and small equipment; submit requests for materials as needed.

• Coordinate with the Facilities team when grounds work intersects with events, construction, or building maintenance.

• Enter and update work orders in the Eptura CMMS system as directed.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures for equipment operation, chemical handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Maintain required pesticide applicator license(s) or obtain within the timeframe established by the Facilities Director.

• Report any unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or injuries to the Facilities Supervisor promptly.

• Comply with all Jones Center policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.

• Good communication skills.

• A motivated and enthusiastic team player.

• Must be able to work independently with little supervision and be flexible with job responsibilities.

Education, Training, and Experience

· Minimum 3 years of experience in commercial or institutional groundskeeping or landscaping.

· Valid Arkansas driver's license with a clean driving record.

· Ability to operate commercial mowing equipment, tractors, and small grounds vehicles.

· Basic knowledge of turf care, horticulture, and plant maintenance.

· Ability to read and follow product labels for fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

· Arkansas Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).

· Prior experience in a supervisory or lead role.

· Experience with CMMS or work order systems.

· Knowledge of irrigation system operation and basic repair.

· Experience with large-acreage turf management.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions. The Groundskeeper Lead must be able to:

· Stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods throughout the workday.

· Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.

· Operate riding and walk-behind equipment for several hours at a time.

· Work in heat, cold, humidity, and other outdoor conditions typical of Northwest Arkansas.