Job Summary

This is a first line supervisory position.

This is skilled work in groundskeeping-landscape activities. An employee in this class is responsible for the supervision of groundskeeping and landscape crews and activities such as planting, watering, sodding and mowing of lawns and gardens, turf management, tree & shrubbery care, planning and installation of ornamental gardens, flower beds, irrigation systems and herbicide & pesticide application. An employee in this class normally works with only general supervision, but directions are received on new or difficult work. The quality of work is evaluated through inspection by the Facilities Director or another administrative superior.

Duties and Responsibilities

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Duties and responsibilities listed are essential job functions and exclude functions which are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.

• Plan, organize and supervise turf and landscape maintenance operations.
• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for ground equipment. Test new products; interview vendors regarding new items; prepare and monitor budget as assigned.
• Plan schedules for new plantings and routine grounds care, fertilizing and watering; direct water conservation efforts through proper and efficient irrigation methods, equipment uses and drought-resistant plant selection.
• Develop and maintain pesticide and herbicide programs. Control inventory and distribution of pesticides/herbicides. Coordinate and conduct annual safety training for immediate staff and other department personnel.
• Maintain records of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products in inventory. Conduct annual Safety Data Sheet training for crew personnel.
• Prepare and interpret policies and regulations regarding safety codes, first aid procedures and pesticide/herbicide laws. Conduct regular safety inspections of grounds to ensure adherence to safety standards; inspect equipment for safe and proper working conditions. Maintain journal-log of pesticide and herbicide application (and operator).
• Responsible for requisition or purchase of supplies, equipment and machinery; maintain records and prepare reports of work accomplished, materials purchased and used, cost estimates and priorities of grounds-landscape projects; review and coordinate receipts for merchandise purchased.
• Direct (and participate in) the planting of shrubs, flowers, trees, ground cover, turf and other items; design plans for areas to be landscaped or replanted including the selection of trees, flower, shrubs and groundcover.
• Oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems; Develop and maintain operating schedule. Schedule inspection and repairs by in-house teams and vendors/contractors.
• Coordinate and oversee grounds maintenance performed by outside vendors, schedule maintenance of fields as necessary.
• Perform and supervise pest and weed control, spraying and related activities. Maintain application logs.
• Operate a variety of machinery and equipment including tractors, dump truck, hydraulic mower, electric cart, sweepers, aerators, forklift, chain saws and a variety of power and hand tools; train departmental employees on equipment use and maintenance.
• Interface with contractors during the installation of landscape and other grounds projects and contracts as required. Solicit quotes & proposals for contracts and projects; establish schedules; monitor work in progress; sign off on completion; and process paperwork for payment.
• Assist with facility maintenance or repairs on occasion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ten years supervisory experience in the landscape-grounds-greenskeeper maintenance trades. Direct work in turf management, horticulture, landscaping, irrigation systems and related fields.
• Ability to perform math calculations necessary to properly mix chemicals (herbicides, pesticides) as needed or instructed.
• Ability to fluently read, write and speak the English language.
• Valid Mississippi driver license.
• Uncompromised ability to wear OSHA, ANZI and WCU prescribed safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including steel-toed footwear.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory work in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Agriculture Pesticide and Herbicide Applicators license.
• Gardner, Master Gardner, Turf-Master Certification

Physical Demands

Heavy physical labor with constant standing and walking for extended periods of time; walking over rough or uneven surfaces; frequent lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to fifty pounds; frequent bending, kneeling and stooping; manual dexterity required to operate fork lifts and motor vehicles, climb ladders and operate power equipment safely; ability to operate gasoline powered and electric powered trucks-carts to carry, pick-up or deliver supplies to various work areas and/or campus locations. Continuous/daily wear of prescribed OSHA, ANZI, and WCU Personal Protective Equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:Indoor and outdoor environments in all weather conditions including rain and cold, extreme heat; exposure to sun for extended periods of time; work on slippery and/or uneven surfaces; work at, above and below ground locations, and in confined, uncomfortable and awkwardly configured areas; work in poorly-lighted areas, and around electrical panels; work while using and wearing safety equipment; respirators, protective gloves, steel toed footwear, protective chaps, face shields and goggles/eye protection, hearing protection, and rain suits; exposure to dust, oil/grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, smoke and pollen, and materials such as solvents and other chemicals and fumes; exposure to loud noise levels from equipment and vehicle operation; must work with and around equipment and machinery with moving and rotating parts; work assignments may be scheduled at any campus location(s), day and/or evenings and weekends as needed to conduct maintenance activities. Adheres to WCU and departmental dress code, appearance is neat, clean and professional. Wears WCU designated Grounds Staff uniform daily, without alteration or decoration. Continually wears OSHA, ANZI and WCU prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including steel-toed footwear. Compliance with and adherence to established safety requirements and procedures is a condition of employment for this position. Adheres to the University Code of Conduct, and the policies and procedures as stated in the Administrative Staff Handbook, and the Facilities Department Handbook.