Position Summary
The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center is seeking a dependable, self-motivated Grounds Maintenance Technician to help maintain our 66-acre retreat center. We host weddings, corporate retreats, family gatherings, school groups, and summer camps, making the appearance, safety, and functionality of our property a top priority.
This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of our buildings, grounds, trails, recreational facilities, and equipment. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, can identify maintenance needs independently, and takes pride in keeping facilities clean, safe, and welcoming.
Essential Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements
- Operate and maintain grounds equipment and maintenance tools including but not limited to commercial mower, weed eaters, backpack blower, chainsaw, wood chipper, four-wheeler, side-by-side utility vehicle, and hand tools such as drills, saw, and handheld sander.
- Inspect equipment for safe operation and promptly report repair needs to Director.
- Maintain an organized and clean maintenance shop and storage areas.
- Assist with supervising contractors working on maintenance or grounds projects when requested.
- Operate commercial mower, weed eaters, backpack blower, chainsaw, wood chipper, four-wheeler, and side-by-side utility vehicle safely and efficiently.
- Mow lawns, fields, and trail entry points.
- Edge sidewalks, walkways, and parking areas.
- Remove grass clippings, leaves, and debris from roads, sidewalks, and common areas.
- Perform trail maintenance, including clearing brush, removing fallen trees, and repairing trail surfaces.
- Trim and clear vegetation in and around low and High Ropes Course elements, guidelines, and anchor points.
- Remove invasive plant species and control weeds through hand removal and approved herbicide applications.
- Identify and remove poison ivy and poison sumac in high-traffic areas.
- Spread mulch, stones, gravel, or other landscaping materials.
- Plant and maintain shrubs, trees, flowers, and landscaped beds.
- Collect, split, and store firewood.
- Assist with snow and ice removal as needed.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance on buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.
- Complete light plumbing repairs, including replacing fixtures and repairing water dispensers.
- Replace electrical outlets, switches, light fixtures, and bulbs as needed.
- Repair drywall.
- Perform basic carpentry projects such as replacing decking boards.
- Change HVAC air filters and perform other preventative maintenance tasks.
- Operate power washers to clean buildings, sidewalks, decks, and outdoor spaces.
- Assist with painting and general property improvements.
- Notify the Director of unsafe conditions, equipment failures, or projects requiring additional resources.
- Request approval before purchasing maintenance materials or supplies.
- Follow all safety procedures and organizational policies.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, facility maintenance, construction, or a related field preferred.
- Experience operating commercial landscaping equipment and power tools.
- Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building maintenance is preferred.
- Ability to complete projects independently while maintaining high-quality workmanship.
- Ability to communicate effectively with Director, other Peaks staff, and guests.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Physically able to lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
- Physically able to frequently walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Safely operate commercial landscaping equipment and power tools.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Work safely with minimal supervision and recognize maintenance needs before they become larger issues.
- Commitment to following all workplace safety procedures.
About The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center
The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields.
About CustomED (www.CustomED.org)
CustomED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that designs and implements extraordinary programs and experiences that solve challenges in education, training, and outreach for a variety of organizations. Our mission is to provide extraordinary educational experiences that inspire and motivate learners of all ages. We work with schools, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, trade associations, and foundations.
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person