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Title: Manager, Grounds & Solid Waste

VP Area: Plant Services

Department: Plant Services-Grounds

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Exempt

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

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose

The Manager of Grounds and Solid Waste oversees the care and maintenance of all campus grounds, landscaping, hardscaping, and snow removal operations, as well as the university's refuse collection, recycling, and composting programs. The Manager is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and sustainable campus environment while driving innovation and operational excellence. This role operates with significant authority to make decisions regarding daily operations, staff management, resource allocation, and program implementation. The Manager independently develops and executes strategies that align with university goals and sustainability initiatives, consulting with the Director of Custodial Services, Grounds, and Special Services on matters with university-wide implications or requiring substantial resources. The Manager also serves as a key advisor to the Director, providing recommendations on grounds management, sustainability initiatives, and waste reduction programs.

Essential Functions:

• 40% - Grounds Management
  • Oversee the daily operations of the Grounds division, including the care of lawns, gardens, trees, walkways, and parking lots.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive landscape management plans, including seasonal planting and campus beautification projects.
  • Manage snow and ice removal operations, making independent decisions to ensure campus safety during weather events.
  • Lead large-scale landscaping projects, ensuring alignment with university standards and goals.
  • Evaluate and adopt new technologies and practices to improve efficiency and sustainability in grounds maintenance. - (Essential)

• 20% - Solid Waste Management
  • Direct all aspects of refuse collection, disposal, recycling, and composting programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Design and execute innovative waste reduction strategies and sustainability initiatives.
  • Lead periodic waste stream audits to identify opportunities for improvement and make actionable recommendations.
  • Oversee the implementation of educational programs for waste reduction, engaging the campus community to meet sustainability goals. - (Essential)

• 10% - Administrative Services and Customer Support
  • Oversee work order processing, invoice approvals, and records management for grounds and waste operations.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for service inquiries and complaints, resolving issues effectively and independently.
  • Foster strong relationships across the campus community, ensuring customer satisfaction and responsiveness. - (Essential)

• 10% - Budget Management
  • Independently manage and monitor the division's budget, ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently.
  • Identify and propose opportunities for cost savings and resource optimization.
  • Collaborate with the Director on long-term budget planning and approval of significant expenditures. - (Essential)

• 10% - Contract Administration
  • Negotiate and oversee contracts for tree maintenance, paving, pest control, and supplemental services, ensuring compliance with university standards.
  • Manage vendor performance and resolve issues independently, escalating high-impact matters to the Director.
  • Evaluate and approve service agreements aligned with operational needs and strategic goals. - (Essential)

• 10% - Supervisory
  • Lead and manage all direct and indirect reports, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop and implement performance management strategies and recognition programs to build team morale.
  • Drive the recruitment and development of staff, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic needs.
  • Act as a mentor and coach, empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. - (Essential)

• 5% - Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
  • Lead initiatives to integrate sustainable practices into grounds care and waste management, driving continuous improvement.
  • Research and implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance environmental stewardship.
  • Serve as a key collaborator with the university's sustainability office, representing the division in strategic initiatives. - (Essential)

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

High School Diploma or GED

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

5 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 a good driving record.

Skills & Abilities:

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, solid waste / recycling operations, or related facilities / environmental services.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience, including oversight of staff, contractors, and/or volunteers.
• Knowledge of solid waste collection, diversion, recycling, composting, and/or sustainability best practices.
• Working knowledge of budget planning and implementation; ability to track costs, manage contracts, and monitor operational performance.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel across campus and possibly offsite for inspections or coordination.
• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices, LEED certification process and waste management technologies.
• Familiarity with state and federal environmental regulations (e.g. waste management statutes, stormwater, pesticide, etc.).
• Strong ability to analyze data, report metrics (e.g. diversion rates, cost savings), and make continuous improvement recommendations.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal); able to coordinate with multiple internal stakeholders (facilities, sustainability office, students/faculty).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) or similar professional certification.
• Experience working at a university, large campus, or similarly complex institution with multiple sites.
• Experience in project management: planning, executing, and managing grounds or waste management‐related projects.
• Proficiency with design tools/software (e.g. CAD, GIS), landscape planning, and/or computer‐aided irrigation or asset management systems.
• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices, LEED certification process and waste management technologies.

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: $65,520-$81,900

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $65,520

Midpoint Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $81,900

Maximum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $98,280

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