HIGHLIGHTS

This position manages and supervises a combination of 13 to 16 full time permanent positions and seasonal, temporary positions which are charged with the maintenance, care and condition of campus grounds, gardens, athletic fields, walkways, parking lots and roads. Incumbent will be responsible for training employees and providing detailed oral and written instructions to direct reports; incumbent will manage all administrative functions for grounds and garage personnel including project planning, procurement and purchasing services, personnel and employee relations, inventory and budget projections and analysis.

DIVISION OPERATING NEEDS

Minimum of four years experience in the management and/or supervision of a landscaping or grounds care operation in scope to a small to medium size campus, to include turf management, plant care, snow removal and storm drainage and pavement. Ability to climb, stoop and do medium (a minimum of 50 pounds) to heavy labor and lifting. Applicants must possess a valid New York State driver’s license, be able to understand and follow directions and read, write and communicate verbally. Candidates must provide a record of dependability and past work performance. Candidates must possess computer skills adequate to work with computerized maintenance management systems and other computerized applications as assigned. Candidate must have the ability to interact with Facilities staff and members of the campus community in a congenial, supportive and service oriented manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a minimum of a two year degree in a field related to the technical or business management sides of the assigned operations, e.g., landscape management or design, civil engineering technology, business administration or related fields. Certification as a commercial pesticide applicator (ornamentals and turf designation) is required. Extensive experience in grounds care and supervision on a college campus, in addition to the completion of some degree work, will be strongly considered in lieu of a two-year degree.

This position is supervised by the Assistant Vice President for Facilities.

This position will supervise three to fifteen employees, regularly and customarily directing their work. Ensures that work meets the standards of quality and quantity. Makes decisions or recommendations regarding personnel actions such as hiring, disciplinary actions, overtime, changes in pay and terminations.

Function 1: Supervises and schedules work of Grounds and Garage Unit Personnel

-Directly supervise and coordinate activities of grounds and garage crew engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities
-Responds, prioritizes and schedules requests for routine to urgent grounds maintenance service
-Schedules and assigns work crew to specific jobs and periodically spot checks worksites to ensure projects are progressing according to schedule and that materials and equipment are being used properly
-Provides training to staff by demonstrating proper use of equipment and materials and the performance of specific tasks to meet quality standards
-Organizes special events for campus-wide grounds projects
-Provides instruction and assistance in performing routine jobs for Grounds Workers and Laborers
-Plans or assists in the planning of landscaping and other grounds projects by preparing rough sketches and schedules and estimates of the manpower, materials and equipment needed to accomplish the project
-Provide managerial oversight for garage operation and serve as fleet manager in support of the campus mission
-Improve maintenance procedures to assure maximum return on investment of all equipment, vehicles and rolling stock
-Develop and maintain schedules and activities of all equipment, materials, and rolling stock to ensure prolonged life, usefulness and safety of equipment to minimize breakdowns, failures and hazards
-Reports to AVP of Facilities on the progression of projects

Function 2: Performs administrative and supervisory functions in support of grounds/garage functions

-Plans landscaping and other grounds projects by preparing rough sketches, schedules and estimates of the staff, materials, equipment and supplies neede to accomplish the project
-Prepares purchase orders and justification for grounds/garage materials, equipment and supplies
-Assists in the selection of grounds contractors and monitors the work to ensure completion according to contract specifications
-Prepares the annual equipment, supplies and personal budget and justification for grounds/garage department operational costs
-Supervises the grounds inventory system
-Develop, implement and maintain cohesive landscaping
-Collaborate with appropriate departments across campus in advance for special campus events
-Interview and select new staff
-Train new employees
-Evaluate work performance and recommend retention or termination of employees
-Handles employee relations issues including counseling and discipline
-Maintains written records of employee time, worked performed and materials used
-Writes performance programs and evaluations

Function 3: Grounds Care Knowledge

-Maintain awareness to safely implement fertilizers, sprays and dusts to control and eradicate pests
-Implement proper methods of plantint cultivating and caring for trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns
-Train and supervise snow removal processes