POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Grounds Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1398
GRADE 26
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Assistant Director Facilities Management-Grounds
GENERAL FUNCTION
The primary job duty of the Grounds Supervisor is the supervision of all University groundskeeping crews and directing the planting, pruning, and cultivating of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and the seeding, fertilizing, mowing, and trimming of all University grounds. The Grounds Maintenance Supervisor supervises the removal of snow, ice, leaves, fallen branches, other weather-generated debris, and trash from all University grounds, instructs groundskeepers in the proper use of tools and equipment, and assists the Assistant Director, Facilities Management - Grounds in administration and management of grounds functions.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required.
Experience: At least three years successful experience in managing outdoor work crews that perform multiple tasks is required. Experience with the methods, materials, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, plants, ground cover, and grasses is preferred. Experience in the proper use, control, storage, and disposal of pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and similar chemicals is required.
Skills: Supervisory and administrative skills are required. Computer literacy is required. Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks, prioritize work, plan, and propose recommendations for change. Must be able to develop, update, and monitor grounds maintenance, snow removal, and preventive maintenance plans. A knowledge of landscaping, irrigation techniques, floriculture, and ornamental and turf management is required. Knowledge of the federal and state regulations governing the use, control, storage, and disposal of pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and similar chemicals is required. Must be able to delegate responsibilities, develop an effective work force, promote teamwork, and provide daily direction to the workforce based upon policy guidelines. A working knowledge of word processing, database, and spreadsheet application skills is required. Good oral and written communication skills are required. Budget management, inventory control, and equipment management skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: The ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 80 pounds is required. The ability to operate push and riding power mowers, chain saws, commercial tractors, and similar grounds maintenance equipment is required. The ability to climb ladders, up to 15 feet, is required. A valid driver’s license is required.
Other: The scope of the position requires responding to grounds emergencies or other unforeseen situations around-the-clock.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures that the University grounds are attractive and well-kept by planning work assignments and actively supervising the quality of groundskeeping services.
2. Assures established standards are achieved by regularly inspecting the work of grounds personnel, directing corrective measures to be taken when necessary and appropriate, and conducting and coordinating the training of groundskeepers in the safe and proper operation of all tools and equipment.
3. Provides for a safe campus environment by supervising and coordinating the removal of snow, ice, leaves, fallen branches, other weather-generated debris, and trash from all University grounds.
4. Ensures that groundskeeping personnel have the equipment and supplies necessary to perform their duties by estimating the types and amounts of materials and equipment needed for specific groundskeeping projects, ordering or contracting for their purchase, issuing the material and equipment to groundskeepers, and tracking and recording their use.
5. Trains grounds personnel, or oversees training, on how to properly perform grounds services, including operation of equipment, safe use of chemicals, and customer interface and encourages the exercise of initiative by fostering pride in maintaining the campus to the highest departmental standards.
6. Tracks work assignments and special duties, including seasonal grounds maintenance plans, preventive maintenance plans, and snow removal plans, and supervises planting, pruning, cultivating, seeding, and fertilizing of University grounds.
7. Helps to assure that the work of the Grounds Department is completed within budgetary constraints by assisting as needed in tracking and monitoring the use of labor and supplies.
8. Advises the Assistant Director Facilities Management-Grounds of the condition of the campus grounds by conducting inspections of these areas, inspecting the work of grounds personnel and reporting problems to the Assistant Director Facilities Management-Grounds, reporting the results of the inspections with particular emphasis on needed repairs, and contacting the Work Management Center to report safety issues, student needs, light outages, and contractor abuse of University property.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Assistant Director Facilities Management-Grounds.
11. Contributes to the success of the Grounds Department by performing all other essential duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Grounds Supervisor is supervised by the Assistant Director Facilities Management-Grounds, exercises supervision of full-time, part-time and student employees, enforces University and departmental policies, and makes recommendations which are given particular weight regarding the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, and other changes of status of those supervised.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED OCTOBER 2020
