Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. 

The Grounds Lead assists with the day-to-day operation of all grounds and landscaping crews. This position provides guidance and direction to other team members, while also engaging in duties that include but are not limited to watering plants, weed whacking, trash removal, following safety regulations, and performing various cleaning tasks.

We are currently looking for a:

 

Lake Compounce - Seasonal Landscaping Lead

Roles & Responsibilities:

 

The Grounds Lead assists with the day-to-day operation of all grounds and landscaping crews. This position provides guidance and direction to other team members, while also engaging in duties that include but are not limited to watering plants, weed whacking, trash removal, following safety regulations, and performing various cleaning tasks.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Supervisory Duties:

• Assist with the daily supervision of the Grounds team and any other assigned departments

• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Lake Compounce’s core values

• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members

• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all grounds positions and backfill these positions when needed

• Participate in new-hire orientation and training activities for all assigned employees

• Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Connecticut law

• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

Departmental Duties:

• Envision and create artistic landscapes that are pleasing and visually appealing to guests.

• Assist with general repair and maintenance of park grounds, including, but not limited to, landscaping and midway clean up

• Maintain compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe environment for colleagues and guests

• Perform a wide variety of landscaping functions, including watering, weed whacking, pruning, trimming topiaries, leaf raking, and lawnmowing

• Assist with the removal of trash, brush, branches, and trees

• Assist with snow removal and salting roadways and walkways

• Maintain waterways, ponds, decorative pools, and fountains, as needed

• Assist with the management of sanitation and recycling programs

• Assist in site preparation, plantings (all plant types – from large trees to small annuals), mulch and topsoil application, loading and unloading materials and tools and hauling equipment

• Continuously monitor outdoor spaces and midways for safety hazards (e.g. loose branches, tripping hazards, etc.)

• Monitor and stock landscaping supplies, as needed

• Assist with the preparation and set-up of picnic, catering, campground, and employee party areas, when requested

• All other duties assigned by leadership

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred; Equivalent work experience will also be considered

• 1+ year of previous landscaping experience desired

Requirements: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Lake Compounce Child Labor Laws

• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Must be available to work at the park during non-operating hours, including the hours prior to the park opening each day.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record

• Ability to safely and efficiently operate motorized vehicles and equipment

• Ability to comply with all uniform policies

• Must possess strong attention to detail and desire to keep park clean and presentable

• Must be able to safely and expertly operate a variety of hand and power landscaping tools, including lawn mowers, trimmers, and weed whackers

• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner

• Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a team as well as independently

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, twist, kneel, bend, or squat for long periods of time

• Ability to remain on feet for majority of the workday

• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 50 pounds or more

• Ability to tolerate high-decibel noise related to power equipment

• Ability to consistently use hands to grasp, control, move objects/tools

• Ability to see details of objects that are more than a few feet away

Working Conditions:

• This role is predominantly based outdoors

• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions

• Subject to frequent repetitive motion, high noise levels, motorized equipment, power tools, and machinery

• Subject to frequent interruptions and requests that may require reprioritization of activities

Team member benefits:

 

Working at Lake Compounce is about making people happy! It’s about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so. As a Lake Compounce employee, you can be the smiling face that makes a great first impression for incoming guests, a cook that serves up tasty treats and culinary delights, a lifeguard who soaks up the sun while keeping guests safe, or a ride operator that keeps guests coming back for more thrills! There are many exciting seasonal job opportunities available to take your summer job to new heights!

Palace Perks & Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

• Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments

• Free admission to Lake Compounce and all Palace Entertainment parks on your days off

• Invitations to exclusive company-sponsored employee events throughout the season

We’ve got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Lake Compounce. Apply today!