Facility & Grounds Operations Technician

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves. 

Job Summary: 

The Grounds Maintenance Technician is responsible for the upkeep, safety, and enhancement of outdoor spaces within the organization. This role involves performing a variety of landscaping, groundskeeping, and seasonal snow removal tasks to ensure that lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, walkways, parking lots, and all exterior areas are well-maintained, accessible, and visually appealing. The position requires the ability to work in all weather conditions, operate specialized equipment, including snow trucks—and maintain a safe and well-kept environment for residents, staff, and visitors. 

Essential Functions 

Lawn Care: 

• Mow, edge, and trim lawns using hand or power tools. 
• Aerate, dethatch, seed, and fertilize lawns. 
• Maintain irrigation systems to ensure proper watering. 

Landscape Maintenance: 

• Plant, water, prune, and trim trees, shrubs, and flowers. 
• Mulch and weed landscaped areas. 
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as needed. 

Snow & Ice Removal: 

• Perform snow removal on sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, walkways, steps, and building entrances. 
• Spread salt, sand, or de-icer materials to prevent ice accumulation. 
• Drive and operate snow trucks, plow trucks, or other CFI-operated snow vehicles to clear parking lots and designated roadways. 
• Operate snow removal equipment including snow blowers, plows, salt spreaders, walk-behind and ride-on snow equipment. 
• Respond to snow and ice conditions during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and emergency weather situations. 
• Perform regular checks, cleaning, fueling, and maintenance of snow removal vehicles and equipment. 

Equipment Maintenance: 

• Maintain and repair groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, snow blowers, plows, and blowers. 
• Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are properly stored and in good working conditions. 

Safety and Compliance: 

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. 
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, or equipment problems to management immediately. 

General Duties: 

• Clear debris from walkways, parking lots, landscaped areas, and other exterior spaces. 
• Assist with seasonal cleanup, special projects, and outdoor event support as needed. 
• Complete work orders assigned by property management and maintain accurate records. 

Additional duties may be assigned by supervisors as necessary to meet organizational needs and operational requirements. 

Education: 

High School Diploma or GED required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience: 

• Knowledge of landscaping and ground maintenance techniques. 
• Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment. 
• Ability to safely drive and operate snow trucks, plow trucks, and other snow removal vehicles. 
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate snow removal machinery under winter weather conditions. 
• Basic understanding of plant care, pest control, and irrigation systems. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work. 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and winter storms. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods. 

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance: 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. 

Additional Notes: 

This job description does not list all duties of the job. Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. Employment with CFI is at-will and may be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason.