Overview
A full-time groundskeeper is sought for a 20-acre property in New Preston, CT. This is a 40-hour, 5-day-per-week role, inclusive of one weekend day. This is a hands-on role, and experience with vendor oversight is ideal.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and maintain outdoor areas to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and aesthetics.
- Manage and clear a small vegetable garden: planting, watering, harvesting, and seasonal upkeep.
- Manage grassy areas, a pond, a large number of trees, and various existing and new gardens, rock walls, walkways, driveways, and patios.
- Care for an orchard, ensuring proper pruning, fertilizing, and long-term health of the fruit trees.
- Purchase, daily care for, and monitoring of chickens, including feeding, cleaning, and ensuring the safety of their environment.
- Inspect all outdoor spaces regularly to ensure they are well-maintained and guest-ready.
- Maintain and tidy outdoor furniture, walkways, terraces, and other exterior areas (e.g., power washing, seasonal set-up, and covering of furniture).
- Provide light maintenance and repair support, such as fixing irrigation issues, replacing outdoor light bulbs, or tightening fixtures.
- Keep sheds in good order.
- Assist with special projects or outdoor event setups as needed
- Other duties as needed e.g. occasional dog walking.
- Maintain farm equipment; keep gas on hand, maintain outdoor tools and equipment in good working order.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 -10 years’ experience in groundskeeping, horticulture, and maintenance on high-end estates.
- Comfortable working with and caring for small livestock (chickens).
- Handle basic winter property care, including placing snow stakes, coordinating plowing services, and shoveling or salting walkways as needed.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple properties.
- Physically fit and capable of handling outdoor labor and heavy lifting.
- Polished, honest, professional demeanor and discreet, respectful presence on the property.
Requirements
- Legal to work in the US
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Salary and Benefits
- $60,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience
- Full-time position: schedule may vary
- 40+ hours per week expected, with flexibility for peak periods
- 2 weeks’ paid vacation: Bonus commensurate with performance
