Director of Grounds & Landscaping

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Director of Grounds & Landscaping is responsible for the strategic oversight, maintenance, and enhancement of the university’s landscapes, green spaces, athletic fields, and outdoor facilities. This role ensures that the campus environment is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable, and safe for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Director leads a team of grounds staff, manages landscaping projects, and oversees budgets, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term plans for landscape maintenance, sustainability, and improvements to enhance the university’s outdoor spaces.
• Supervise and lead groundskeeping staff, ensuring high-quality maintenance and landscaping services.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align grounds management with the university’s strategic vision and sustainability goals.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and athletic fields.
• Ensure regular upkeep, including mowing, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and seasonal plantings.
• Implement environmentally friendly practices such as water conservation, organic fertilization, and native plant landscaping.
• Maintain campus walkways, roadways, and outdoor seating areas for safety and accessibility.
• Manage capital improvement projects related to campus landscaping and outdoor facilities.
• Work with contractors and vendors for large-scale landscape renovations, irrigation system installations, and tree removal services.
• Negotiate and oversee service contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality work.
• Develop and manage the groundskeeping budget, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Oversee procurement of landscaping supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Optimize resource allocation to maintain a well-manicured campus within budgetary constraints.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations regarding pesticide use, equipment safety, and waste management.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols for groundskeeping staff, including proper use of landscaping equipment and chemicals.
• Conduct regular inspections of campus grounds to identify and address potential hazards.
• Coordinate landscaping efforts for university events, ceremonies, and outdoor gatherings.
• Work closely with faculty and student groups on sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens and green space enhancements.
• Provide expertise on landscape design and aesthetic improvements for campus beautification projects.
  
  

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience preferred. On-the-job training offered.
• Prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, and kneeling
• Must be able to lift up 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, including weekends and holidays.
  
  

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page .