Grounds, Vineyard and Facility Crew Leader

The Grounds, Vineyard and Facility Crew Leader is responsible for the overall upkeep, presentation, and functionality of the property, including landscaped grounds, event spaces, agricultural areas, and facility systems. This role ensures a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment for guests, staff, and events.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and provide instruction to part-time staff.
• Monitor task completion to ensure work is performed thoroughly and to established standards.
• Work closely with Venue Manager & Maitenance Manager on formulating tasks, lists and weekly prioroties.

Property and Facility Maintenance

• Conduct routine inspections of buildings and grounds to ensure all doors and windows are secure, functional, and properly maintained.
• Perform weekly walkthroughs to ensure all lighting fixtures are operational.
• Clean fireplaces following guest use and maintain adequate firewood supply at designated locations.
• Maintain and service golf carts, including cleaning, fueling, and checking air filters.
• Perform end-of-week cleaning and organization of barn and garden equipment.
• Maintain an updated list of maintenance needs in coordination with management.

Waste Management

• Perform post-event waste removal each Monday, including all designated areas (Betty’s Cellar, Grooms Barn, Lodge, Pavilion, and surrounding grounds).
• Collect and dispose of trash in designated receptacles.

Groundskeeping and Landscaping

• Perform routine lawn maintenance across all designated property areas, including mowing, weed trimming, fertilizing, aerating, overseeding, and watering as needed.
• Identify and treat lawn disease and areas requiring restoration.
• Maintain flower beds, including weeding, pruning, mulching, and disease management.
• Apply herbicides in designated areas such as parking lots when necessary.
• Remove debris, sticks, and storm-related damage from grounds.

Plant and Agricultural Care

• Provide daily care for chickens and trout.
• Water plants and landscaping according to seasonal needs, including specific care schedules for hemlocks, annuals, and ferns.
• Conduct vineyard and orchard maintenance, including pruning, spraying, and general upkeep (seasonal).
• Perform routine plant care such as deadheading roses and applying fungicides to vineyards, hydrangeas and phlox.

Event Preparation and Support

• Prepare grounds and facilities for weekly events, including blowing debris from roads and guest areas prior to scheduled activities.
• Assist with setup of tables and chairs for events.
• Ensure all guest-facing areas are clean, safe, and presentable before arrival.

Safety and Compliance

• Inspect guest areas for potential hazards, including wildlife, prior to events.
• Monitor rodent control systems daily.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of fuels such as propane and gasoline.

Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance

• Maintain propane tanks and fuel supplies for landscaping equipment.
• Assist with road maintenance, drainage systems, and pond management.
• Perform minor repairs and coordinate with external vendors for specialized maintenance.
• Maintain and repair event furniture, including inventory management and storage organization.

Additional Responsibilities (As Needed)

• Pressure washing of walkways, patios, and event spaces.
• Exterior cleaning of buildings, including lighting fixtures and windows.
• Tree removal, wood cutting, and firewood preparation.
• Pest control, including removal of bee nests.
• Cleaning and repair of agricultural structures such as the chicken coop.
• Painting and maintenance of parking areas and lines.
• HVAC filter inspection and replacement (quarterly).

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in landscaping, horticulture, or grounds maintenance.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends as needed.

Job Details

• Employment Type: Full-time 1099 Contractor
• Work Location: In-person (Sylva, NC)
• Commute Requirement: Must be able to reliably commute to Sylva, NC 28779

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person