Grounds & Maintenance Crew Member

Grounds & Maintenance Crew Member
Location: Queens County Farm Museum
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Operations

About Queens County Farm Museum

Queens County Farm Museum (QCFM) is one of the longest continuously farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697. A designated New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, QCFM welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually. The farm connects people to agriculture, colonial history, and the environment, offering diverse learning opportunities in biodiversity, health and wellness, climate change, and historic preservation. QCFM’s vibrant 47-acre site includes historic buildings like the Adriance Farmhouse (c.1772) and a Greenhouse (c.1926), alongside growing fields, animal paddocks, composting areas, and an apiary. The farm also operates a year-round Farm Store and seasonal farmstands while hosting acclaimed education programs, public events, and adult education initiatives.

The Opportunity

The Queens County Farm Museum seeks a reliable, hardworking, and team-oriented Grounds & Maintenance Crew Member to help care for and maintain its 47-acre historic site. Reporting to the Director of Grounds & Facilities, this role plays a critical part in keeping the farm safe, clean, and functional for visitors and staff. From maintaining pathways, grounds and fences to assisting with seasonal projects and routine repairs, the Grounds & Maintenance Crew Member supports the farm’s agricultural operations, public programs, and preservation of this unique New York City landmark.

This is a hands-on position ideal for someone who takes pride in physical work, enjoys being outdoors in all seasons, and values contributing to a mission-driven site rooted in environmental stewardship, education, and history.

Responsibilities
Based on the unique needs of Queens County Farm Museum, a 47-acre working farm and historic site, responsibilities for the Grounds & Maintenance Crew Member include but are not limited to:

  • Site & Facilities Maintenance
    • Perform daily maintenance tasks across buildings, public spaces, and grounds
    • Conduct routine repairs, including patching, painting, and light carpentry (e.g., doors, walls, windows, ceilings)
    • Assist with roofing, shingle replacement, and minor plumbing or electrical fixes as needed
    • Maintain clean and safe conditions in all public areas, including offices, restrooms, and event spaces
    • Ensure all trash / recycling receptacles across the site are emptied and maintained daily
  • Equipment Operation & Care
    • Operate, clean, and maintain power tools, hand tools, and grounds equipment in a safe manner
    • Drive and maintain farm utility vehicles, tractors, zero-turn mowers, and other heavy equipment
    • Support basic preventative maintenance on equipment such as chainsaws, string trimmers, and other machinery
  • Groundskeeping & Seasonal Support
    • Assist with landscaping, tree care, fencing, and general outdoor site upkeep
    • Work outdoors in all weather conditions to support site readiness and safety
    • Support seasonal farm operations in coordination with other Departments
  • Visitor Experience & Event Support
    • Conduct hayrides for public and private programs
    • Assist with event setup, breakdown, and logistics for festivals, tours, and site rentals
    • Collaborate with Visitor Services, Agriculture, and Education teams to ensure seamless
      public engagement
  • Other
    • Follow all site safety procedures and participate in training
    • Perform other duties as assigned to support QCFM’s mission and operations

Qualifications & Experience

  • Required Qualifications
    • Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis
    • Valid driver’s license in good standing
    • Availability for occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work
    • Punctual, self-motivated, and able to manage time independently
    • Willingness to work collaboratively in a high-volume, visitor-facing environment
    • Participation in all required safety and operational trainings
  • Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience operating farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, and other
      power tools
    • Knowledge of landscaping, horticulture, and tree care
    • Basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical repair
    • Experience working at a farm, museum, historic site, or outdoor public space
    • Strong communication skills and a visitor-focused mindset
  • Workplace Conditions & Environment
    • Must be available to work weekends and holidays as necessary.

Compensation

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position requiring 40 hours per week. The schedule is flexible depending on day and need.

Hourly rate: $18 per hour

To Apply:

Please send a brief cover letter and resume with a description of why you want to join the Queens Farm team to: hr@queensfarm.org (Subject line: “Maintenance Position”).

Applications will be accepted until the position is closed.

Queens County Farm Museum (QCFM) supports diversity in the workplace. QCFM is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer (EOE) and supports a drug-free workplace.