Job no:
R-0000003170Position Title:
Skilled Laborer - Tier 2Faculty or Staff:
StaffFull Time or Part Time:
Full timeIn-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:
In-PersonMinimum Starting Rate of Pay:
$28.26Rate of pay commensurate with experience
Start Date:
07/06/2026Job Description:
The Facilities Management department at Mount Holyoke College supports the administration, faculty, staff and students in the quality planning and development of facilities projects that support our mission. Our talented staff of approximately 140 FTEs (Cleaning, Mechanical Trades, Central Heating Plant, Grounds, Paint, Carpentry, Stockroom, EH&S, Fleet Services, and Mail Services) are responsible for more than 2,000,000 SF of property in over 60+ major buildings and for maintaining more than 300 acres.
As a Skilled Laborer - Tier 2 in the Grounds Department, you will play a critical role in maintaining the beauty and safety of the MHC campus. This position requires a blend of horticultural knowledge, heavy equipment operation, and a proactive approach to seasonal campus needs.
Key Responsibilities:
As a vital member of our Grounds crew, your primary focus will be the health and aesthetics of our campus landscape. Your duties will include:
General care of the campus landscape and all aspects of tree health, identifying hazardous tree conditions.
Care of the campus landscape, which includes: routine Grounds work, planting, pruning, pest control, campus and athletic field turf maintenance and snow removal.
Maintenance of roads, walkways, driveways and other hardscaped areas.
Floor maintenance, moving materials throughout the campus.
Operating and maintaining hand and power equipment.
Other tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the landscape field.
Proficiency in plant identification, pesticide application, and heavy equipment operation.
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons/weather conditions and handle/move heavy materials.
Willingness to adjust hours for emergencies and work overtime during crucial seasons (e.g., snow events).
High School diploma (or equivalent) and a valid driver’s license with a clean record.
Preferred Skills & Certifications:
A two-year degree in Horticulture or a related field.
Pesticide license, Hoisting license, or Genie Lift certification.
Familiarity with soil fertility, synthetic turf, and basic vehicle/equipment repair.
Hiring Range: $28.26 - $30.52
What We Offer:
403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Disability and Leave Benefits
Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
Generous Paid Time Off
Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex
Background Checks:
Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.
Special Instructions for Applicants:
Apply online; application materials must include:
A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
A complete resume or curriculum vitae
For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.