Grounds Assistant

About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Grounds Manager, the candidate will be trained to perform the duties of Grounds Assistant on the grounds of the Clark Art Institute. The performance of these duties is of a high standard and attention to detail with communication with the Grounds team integral. Maintaining the Landscape includes some of the following tasks, Lawn mowing, weed whacking, weeding, field mowing, gardening, pruning, watering, and snow and ice management. Horticulture should be of interest along with the desire to learn.
Full- Time position with overtime required for weather events, special events. Schedule to be determined; weekends will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, meadows, forests, gardens, and trees.
• Maintain Walkways, parking areas, entryways, and hiking trails.
• Snow and Ice management.
• Basic Horticultural skills, planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and plant identification.
• Maintain and assist with Irrigation and water feature.
• Special event set up.
• Working with other departments.
• Learn and observe all safety rules, regulations, and practices.
• Help maintain all equipment and facilities in the Grounds department.
• Training and educating to further your knowledge of Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance.
• Keep a positive, courteous, and clean appearance always.
• Answer visitors’ questions with accurate information.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively independently as well as part of a team.
• Pesticide applicator’s license or willingness to achieve applicator’s license.
• Mechanical and construction abilities are a plus.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Work Experience
Minimum 1 year of relevant experience preferred.

Hourly Rate Range: $20.50 - $22.70
This non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package , including:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for deductible expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including sick, vacation, and personal time
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (as set by the Massachusetts PFML Statue of Regulations)
• Retirement planning and support
• Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance
• Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounts at Gift Shop and Café 7

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Able to perform the following physical requirements continuously:

• Move under 40 lbs.
• Standing for long periods
• Walking or hiking on uneven surfaces
• Climbing stairs
• Bending
• Simple hand grasping
• Able to perform the following physical requirements frequently:
• Move over 50 lbs.
• Using oil or chemicals
• Climbing ladders
• Stooping
• Walking on wet or slippery surfaces
• Reaching
• Shoveling snow

 

Work Environment:

• Work will be performed outdoors, in an office environment, museum spaces, and mechanical spaces.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Weather outdoors can be inclement, and it will be necessary to perform tasks in inclement weather.

 

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) . We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.