Grounds Supervisor

PURPOSE:
The Grounds Supervisor will oversee all landscaping and grounds maintenance operations across the campus. This position is responsible for supervising the grounds team, ensuring that all campus grounds are well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. The Grounds Supervisor will also be involved in coordinating with external vendors and ensuring that all landscaping and grounds activities are performed in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and manage the grounds maintenance team. Provide guidance, training, and performance management to ensure efficient and high-quality work.
• Oversee daily operations to maintain the campus grounds, including mowing, trimming, planting, mulching, irrigation, and maintaining walkways, roads, and parking lots.
• Ensure all areas are aesthetically pleasing and meet safety standards.
• Execute landscaping projects such as seasonal plantings, tree trimming, and major landscaping renovations.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage, proper drainage, and system functionality.
• Identify and address any irrigation issues promptly.
• Ensure all grounds maintenance work adheres to safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Maintain a safe working environment for team members and campus occupants by adhering to OSHA standards and best practices.
• Ensure that all grounds maintenance equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems, is properly maintained, serviced, and operational.
• Manage the repair and replacement of equipment as needed.
• Promote sustainable practices for landscaping and grounds maintenance, including using eco-friendly products, water conservation techniques, and waste reduction strategies.
• Coordinate with campus event planners to ensure that grounds are properly prepared for outdoor events, including lawn care, setup, and cleanup.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Grounds Manager (CGM), pesticide application, irrigation certifications) are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

• Extensive knowledge of ground maintenance practices, including landscaping, irrigation systems, and turf care.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with ground maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints or landscape design plans.
• Strong communication skills for working with team members, vendors, and other departments.
• Budgeting and resource management skills.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices in landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Primarily outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• The position requires significant physical activity, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds, using grounds maintenance equipment, and working in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required for special projects or event support.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.