Grounds Maintenance Tech I

About the Role

Join our team! The City of Kentwood is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Technician I to support our Public Works Department. In this role, you’ll help maintain and enhance the City’s parks, trails, landscaped areas, and public spaces. From mowing and landscaping to irrigation and facility upkeep, your work will directly contribute to keeping our community beautiful, safe, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Our ideal candidate is dependable, hardworking, and enjoys working outdoors. You’re comfortable operating equipment, performing physical tasks, and working both independently and as part of a team.

About the Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works keeps the City of Kentwood beautiful and functional with a team of nearly 40 full- and part-time employees. The department has five divisions that work together to maintain the City’s infrastructure, which includes more than 150 miles of pipes underground and more than 155 miles of streets above ground, as well as the City parks and grounds, buildings and fleet of vehicles. DPW takes care of everything from snow plowing and street cleaning to parks maintenance and police cruisers. The five divisions are building maintenance, fleet services, grounds maintenance, streets maintenance and utilities (water and wastewater) services.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain parks, trails, landscaped areas, and cemetery grounds
• Mow, trim, edge, fertilize, water, and maintain lawns and athletic fields
• Plant, prune, mulch, and care for trees, shrubs, and plants
• Assist with forestry operations including tree planting, trimming, and removal
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems
• Inspect and maintain park facilities, paths, and public spaces for safety and cleanliness
• Prepare and maintain ball fields and recreational areas for public use
• Perform basic maintenance and repairs on park facilities and equipment
• Assist with light carpentry, plumbing, painting, and concrete work
• Operate trucks, trailers, tractors, and landscaping equipment
• Perform snow removal and salt application during winter months
• Respond to public questions and concerns in a courteous and professional manner
• Follow safe work practices and help maintain a safe work environment
• Maintain basic records of work performed and assist other Public Works divisions as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of grounds maintenance or related experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Valid Michigan CDL Class A with Tanker (“N”) endorsement within six months of hire
• Basic knowledge of landscaping, irrigation, and grounds maintenance practices
• Ability to safely operate landscaping tools, equipment, and light construction vehicles
• Ability to perform physical labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, drawings, and specifications
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and customer service skills

Please view the full job description and requirements for more details.

Pay and Benefits

Hourly pay range: $21.75 - $27.78, dependent on qualifications and experience

The City of Kentwood offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits, including:

• 10% employer retirement contribution
• 11 paid holidays, three personal days, and 12 sick days annually
• Up to four weeks of vacation annually
• Fully paid parental leave (4–6 weeks depending on eligibility)
• Medical insurance with 2% employee premium share
• Free dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions of $825–$1,650 annually
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid training and professional development
• Discounts on city recreation programs

Why work for the City of Kentwood

A community of more than 54,000 residents and growing, Kentwood is a safe, prosperous, and welcoming city with vibrant neighborhoods and thriving businesses that make it a great place to live and work. The City offers access to a variety of amenities including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation throughout West Michigan.

With a mission of providing high-quality services to foster a thriving community for all, Kentwood promotes a culture of teamwork, customer service, and continuous improvement.

The City of Kentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply today to join our dedicated Public Works team! This position will remain open until April 2nd.