Scope and Purpose

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, appearance, and safety of all exterior areas at a Zellis residential community—including grounds, landscaping, parking lots, common areas, and building exteriors. You are the first thing residents and visitors see, and the standard you maintain shapes their impression of the entire community.

At Zellis, a well-maintained property is not optional—it is the foundation of the resident experience. You take pride in the appearance of every walkway, flower bed, and dumpster area. You work efficiently as part of the service team, report hazards and issues proactively, and represent Zellis with professionalism in every interaction with residents and guests.

This role requires dependability, consistency, and a strong attention to detail. You don’t wait to be told what needs attention—you see it, you handle it, and you make sure it stays handled.

Our Core Values

At Zellis, everything we do is guided by four values that define how we show up—for each other, for our residents, and for our clients.

• Driven by Passion: We show up with energy, ownership, and a relentless drive to be better – We care deeply about the work, and it shows. We hold ourselves to a higher standard, take responsibility for outcomes, and push through challenges with determination. Your pride in the property’s appearance directly shapes how residents and visitors experience Zellis every day.
• Built Smarter: We run toward change and build better systems to stay ahead – We lead the industry by embracing technology, automation, and new ways of working to create smarter, more efficient operations. You follow preventive maintenance schedules and seasonal care plans that keep the property in top condition year-round, rather than reacting to problems after they arise.
• Experience Meets Insight: We combine experience and data to guide smarter decisions – Our clients and residents trust us to do more than manage—they rely on us to think. We bring expertise and turn data into clear, actionable insight. You identify and report pest activity, safety hazards, lighting outages, and property damage immediately—catching issues before they become costly or disruptive.
• Service Without Compromise: We set a higher standard by anticipating needs and owning every outcome – Every interaction is thoughtful, timely, and intentional. We anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and follow through without exception. Every exterior area you maintain is a reflection of Zellis’s commitment to creating communities people are proud to call home.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Mow, edge, and trim grass; maintain landscaping, flower beds, shrubs, and trees; apply mulch and remove weeds on a routine schedule.
• Clean and maintain building exteriors, entryways, breezeways, sidewalks, parking lots, dumpster areas, and all common areas daily.
• Remove trash, litter, and debris from all exterior areas, hallways, and community spaces daily; ensure dumpster areas are clean and orderly.
• Perform seasonal maintenance including leaf removal, snow and ice management, gutter cleaning, and pressure washing as needed.
• Monitor and maintain irrigation systems; water plants and landscaping as needed and report system issues to the Service Manager promptly.
• Identify and immediately report pest activity, safety hazards, property damage, lighting outages, and maintenance concerns to the Service Manager.
• Assist with directing or supporting landscape and exterior vendors when contracted services are performed on the property.
• Assist the service team with unit turns, light maintenance tasks, and property preparation as directed by the Service Manager.
• Maintain tools and equipment in safe, working condition; follow all safety protocols and OSHA requirements.
• Represent Zellis professionally in all interactions with residents, guests, and vendors.

Competencies

• Dependability – Shows up consistently, completes assigned tasks on schedule, and follows through without reminders. The property’s daily appearance depends on your reliability.
• Attention to Detail – Notices what others overlook—a damaged handrail, a clogged drain, a fading flower bed—and takes action before it becomes a bigger issue.
• Safety Awareness – Follows all safety procedures and OSHA requirements. Uses tools and equipment properly and identifies hazards proactively.
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with the service team, takes direction from the Service Manager, and supports property operations wherever needed.
• Professionalism – Interacts with residents and guests courteously and respectfully. Represents Zellis’s hospitality standard in every encounter.
• Initiative – Does not wait to be told what needs attention. Sees work that needs doing and handles it proactively.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Other Qualities

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscaping, and seasonal property care.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools used in grounds maintenance (mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers).
• Understanding of basic irrigation system operation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Basic communication skills for reporting issues and interacting with residents.

Experience, Training, and Education

• Prior grounds maintenance, landscaping, or general labor experience preferred.
• Experience in a multifamily residential or commercial property environment preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Perform physical labor outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly (e.g., bags of mulch, equipment, trash).
• Operate power tools and grounds maintenance equipment safely.
• Climb ladders and access elevated areas as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Driving Requirements

Valid driver’s license may be required for travel between property locations or supply runs.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.