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Title: Groundskeeper Supervisor

VP Area: Plant Services

Department: Plant Services-Grounds

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

The Groundskeeper Supervisor leads and coordinates campus groundskeeping operations to maintain a safe, attractive, and sustainable outdoor environment aligned with University standards. This role oversees daily maintenance activities, including landscaping, irrigation, snow and ice removal, and waste management, while optimizing staffing and resources. The supervisor promotes a high-performance team culture through coaching and accountability, ensures safety and policy compliance, manages preventive maintenance programs, supports budget stewardship, and collaborates on long-term equipment and landscape planning.

Essential Functions:

• 40% - Groundskeeping Operations -
  • Oversee daily campus groundskeeping operations, including planning and resource allocation.
  • Ensure work is timely, cost-effective and meets University standards.
  • Provide onsite guidance to grounds staff to maximize productivity and customer service.
  • Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, practices, and organizational goals.
  • Support Groundskeeper Lead in scheduling and implementing routine safety trainings.
  • Develop and manage maintenance programs for landscaping, irrigation systems, and equipment.
  • Monitor equipment condition, forecast replacements, and use data to improve service quality.
  • Optimize workforce scheduling and assign shift for peak demand periods.
  • Oversee and develop preventative maintenance schedule and data collection for all groundskeeping equipment with Groundskeeper Lead.
  • Coordinate major equipment replacements, landscape upgrades, and irrigation modifications with input from Lead and Manager approval.
  • Supervise groundskeeping activities: mowing, watering, weeding, fertilizing, trimming, pruning, and refuse collection.
  • Oversee campus waste collection systems, including recycling, trash, and compost.
  • Assist with and train on automatic irrigation systems and software; groundskeeping operations including operation of power mowers and other groundskeeping related equipment.
  • Perform groundskeeper duties when required.
  • Snow and Ice Removal:
    • Coordinate and assist with snow/ice removal from parking lots, ramps, sidewalks, and steps.
    • Monitor weather data and maintain storm preparedness communication to staff in association with Manager or Director.
    • Work and supervise irregular hours during snow/ice events to maintain operations. - (Essential)

• 45% - Supervisory Functions -
  • Coach, guide, and empower employees; set and maintain high-performance standards.
  • Foster integrity, accountability, and trust within the team, aligned with Plant Services and University missions.
  • Communicate effectively, share information promptly, seek feedback.
  • Address and resolve conflicts promptly; maintain open communication through multiple channels.
  • Clarify team purpose, roles, and guidelines; build partnerships to enhance results.
  • Conduct regular meetings (at least weekly) with direct reports and manage performance year-round.
  • Support team development, recognition efforts, and morale-building initiatives.
  • Meet operational targets, drive innovation, and continuously improve processes.
  • Contribute to hiring efforts aligned with mission and operational needs, including serving on search committees for Grounds Department and division as needed. - (Essential)

• 10% - Budget Responsibilities
  • Steward resources responsibly; monitor budget and maintain inventory of supplies.
  • Process purchase orders, invoices, and expense report through University finance software.
  • Approve direct reports expense reports/re-imbursement requests.
  • Collaborate with Manager and Director to forecast Grounds Operations budget for current and future years.
  • Review annual vendor contracts for clarity and cost effectiveness. - (Essential)

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

High School Diploma or GED

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

3 years

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Certifications and/or Licensures:

• Valid driver’s license with good driving history required.
• Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 6 months) preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
  

Skills & Abilities:

• 3 years of progressively responsible experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or outdoor facilities maintenance, including experience with irrigation systems, equipment operation, and seasonal maintenance (e.g., snow and ice removal).
• At least 2 years of supervisory or lead experience, including scheduling, coaching, and performance management of staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of groundskeeping best practices, safety standards, and use of related equipment and tools.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple work activities in a dynamic campus environment.
• Experience training, supporting, and enforcing workplace safety programs and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use work order systems, scheduling tools, and email.
• Familiarity with automated irrigation systems and related software.
• Ability to work flexible or irregular hours as required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and during snow/ice events.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or a related field.
• 5+ years' groundskeeping experience.
• Proven ability to manage a staff of 10+ employees.
• Experience working in a university, municipal, healthcare, or large institutional setting.
• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices, integrated pest management (IPM), and water conservation.
• Experience managing preventive maintenance programs and tracking equipment lifecycle and replacement planning.
• Experience with budget monitoring, vendor coordination, and contract review.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Daily (>75% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $26.92 - $31.25

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $26.93

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $33.65

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $40.38

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False

At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.