Grounds Supervisor

Perform environmental landscape maintenance and general care for the grounds of all campus locations. Manage landscape and irrigation design, and safe operation of all heavy equipment, vehicles and tools used in physical plant and grounds operations. Schedule maintenance and supervise staff in the landscaping and maintenance of campus grounds to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs the grounds staff in daily maintenance of campus properties by setting schedules, evaluating processes, and determining priorities.
• Supervises and trains assigned employees and student workers; conducts staff meetings to share department strategy, goals, and other information; trains staff on usage of equipment, proper landscaping techniques, and proper safety techniques.
• Manages the physical resources of the grounds department, determines equipment needed; procures additional equipment, tools, and materials with the approval of the Director.
• Performs, monitors, and manages tasks such as irrigation, tree removal, trimming, plumbing, parking lot maintenance, and consults with contractors to determine extent of service required and schedule work so as to have minimal impact on daily operations of facilities.
• Selects, purchases, and monitors application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Maintains reports and records pertaining to maintenance, personnel actions, invoices, and purchasing transactions.
• Consults with Director, grounds maintenance professionals and other staff to assess campus grounds maintenance needs.
• Ensures employees receive appropriate safety training to meet compliance standards and fosters a safe workplace culture.
• Facilitates safety inspections.
• Takes reasonable and prudent actions to eliminate identified hazards.
• Maintains grounds including, but not limited to, pruning, planting, weeding, and fertilizing trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns.
• Mows, trims, and edges lawns, including around the outside of the sports fields.
• Uses blower to clean landscaped and parking lot areas.
• Removes snow with shovels, blowers, and plows.
• Maintains grounds physical plant vehicles and equipment.
• Ensures grounds are clean and free of trash and debris.
• Assists the Maintenance and Housekeeping departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Possess essential knowledge, skills and abilities to explain, demonstrate, and perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge:

• Principles of leadership and supervision.
• Landscape tools, materials, and safe work practices.
• Proper horticultural practices for sports fields and all turf and ornamental areas.
• Landscape industry standards of plant selection, placement, and maintenance needs.
• Supervisory principles, practices, and methods.
• Budget preparation bid and purchasing procedures, and expense control.

Skills:

• Maintaining an established work schedule, with occasional nights and weekends.
• Developing and maintaining an effective horticultural practices program.
• Using interpersonal and communication skills including tact and diplomacy.
• Applying efficient organizational and planning skills.
• Supervising and coordinating the activities of subordinate personnel.
• Communicating in a concise and effective manner.
• Designing and organizing the environmental landscape.
• Estimating time and material requirements of assigned work projects.
• Maintaining confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Demonstrating proficient use of standard computer software applications.

Physical Abilities:

• Lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) such as power sprayers, blowers, and air compressors.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolds.
• Stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Work in an external environment with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures.

Experience:

• Two years of grounds maintenance experience.
• One year of supervisory work experience.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License or obtain within 6 months of employment.

• Valid Driver's License/CDL or obtain within 6 months of employment.

Required qualifications:

• 18 years or older
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Valid driver's license

Preferred qualifications:

• At least high school diploma or equivalent or higher