What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Grounds position at Baylor School?
Position Summary
The Director of Groundskeeping is responsible for overseeing all aspects of grounds maintenance for the Baylor School's 690-acre campus, including the care and preparation of athletic fields, landscaped areas, and natural spaces. This position works closely with the Athletic Department to ensure high-quality playing surfaces and event readiness, while also coordinating with campus administration to maintain consistent aesthetic and operational standards across the school grounds.
Key Responsibilities
Supervisory & Administrative Responsibilities
- Supervise, train, and evaluate grounds crew members, assigning tasks, setting priorities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Experience in managing and negotiating contractor services.
- Manage inventory and procurement of grounds supplies, including tools, fertilizers, seed, and field marking materials.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance schedules, chemical applications, inspections, and equipment servicing.
- Participate in and help lead emergency response protocols (e.g., snow/ice removal, storm cleanup).
Campus Groundskeeping and Landscape Oversight
- Oversee the daily maintenance of campus green spaces, walkways, wooded areas, and common-use fields to ensure they meet Baylor’s visual and safety standards.
- Develop and manage an annual mowing, trimming, and blowing schedule in coordination with academic and events calendars.
- Work with campus leadership and Facilities to coordinate the upkeep of flower beds, ornamental landscaping, and tree maintenance.
- Implement and monitor campus-wide weed control, irrigation efficiency, and erosion management programs.
Athletic Grounds Maintenance
- Collaborate directly with Athletic Department staff to develop and execute weekly walkthroughs of athletic fields prior to games and events.
- Lead efforts to maintain, prepare, and improve game and practice surfaces (natural and synthetic) in coordination with seasonal usage and sport-specific needs.
- Develop and implement comprehensive preventative maintenance plans for all athletic fields, including aeration, fertilization, irrigation, topdressing, overseeding, and pest management.
- Ensure all field lines, mound/hitting areas, and playing surfaces meet appropriate standards for safety and performance.
- Schedule and supervise seasonal renovation projects, turf recovery periods, and weather contingency strategies.
Event Support and Coordination
- Support the setup and takedown of events (athletic, academic, alumni, etc.) including temporary signage, staging, field preparation, and clean-up.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in grounds management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of turf science, soil health, and athletic field maintenance (including both native and sand-based fields).
- Experience working collaboratively with athletic staff and event planners.
- Familiarity with modern grounds keeping equipment, irrigation systems, and preventive maintenance scheduling.
- Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends for events.
- Valid Driver’s License required; Certified Pesticide Applicator or willingness to obtain within first year preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and perform strenuous physical labor in varying weather conditions.
- Capability to operate and perform routine maintenance on grounds keeping equipment.
- Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Preferred Attributes
- A passion for supporting student-athletes and a deep appreciation for campus aesthetics.
- Experience working on a school or university campus.
- A solutions-oriented mindset with a collaborative spirit.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65,000 - $80,000