Grounds Maintenance

The Grounds Maintenance position is responsible for the upkeep of exterior grounds year round for scientific research sites, office buildings, and public visitor program. This position reports to the Mars Hill Facilities Manager. Physical work is a primary part of the job, primarily outdoors and often in inclement weather.

• Snow removal – Road and walkway maintenance, including manual shoveling and use of a truck or tractor, to ensure safety for both public and staff use.
• Landscape maintenance – Planting, mowing, irrigation repair, raking, and shoveling.
• Painting – Exterior and interior offices, handrails, and curbs, often on ladders and occasionally on scaffolding.
• Routine maintenance of equipment used in this position.
• Lighting maintenance – Bulb replacement and cleaning of exterior lighting fixtures.
• Plumbing – Basic plumbing: clear clogged sinks and toilets, replace toilet flappers.
• Carpentry – Occasional door and window maintenance.
• Bldg. maintenance – Respond to staff requests for minor repairs and change air filters.
• Event setup and teardown, including weekends.
• Miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned, performed as part of a team and without supervision.
• Basic computer skills – Email correspondence and time recording.

• Snow team on call throughout the winter months.
• Ability and willingness to do a wide variety of tasks and learn new skills.
• Reliability – excessive tardiness or absenteeism will not be tolerated.
• Ability to understand written and verbal communications and work independently or as a team following directions. Understand and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to operate mowers, tractors, snowplow, leaf blowers, chainsaws, weed‑eaters and other related power equipment. Training will be provided.
• Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects (50 lbs or more).
• Advanced experience or knowledge in one or more of the following categories is a plus:
  Landscaping, Irrigation, Tree Felling, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC. Please address this in your cover letter.

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Previous experience in facilities and/or grounds maintenance is preferred.

Work involves frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Mandatory on‑call status during snow forecasts may require extra time, including weekends and holidays. The job demands considerable physical activity, including bending, climbing ladders, lifting, pushing, or pulling objects over 50 lbs. Exposure to hazards is possible, requiring adherence to basic safety precautions. The candidate may be required to use a company vehicle to service remote locations year round and must possess a valid AZ driver’s license with an excellent driving record.

Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Standard workday is 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, but may vary depending on event schedule and Observatory needs. Expect more hours during periods of heavy snow. Morning availability is required; weekend work may be required for event support.

$20.90–$23.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus a bonus of $4.00 per hour during heavy snow removal.

Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory Mars Hill Campus

Please send either a Lowell Standard Application (available ell.edu/careers or in person at the front desk of the visitor’s center) or a resume to jobs. Drop‑offs are also accepted.