Lead Groundskeeper

Description

The Lead Groundskeeper, directs, coordinates, schedules, and inspects grounds maintenance work for the University campus. Ensure all grounds work is in accordance with University Standards. The Lead Groundskeeper is supervised by the Facilities Management Director, 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. This position is also responsible for the move of furniture, material and supplies associated with events. Responsible for setting up events in accordance with customer requirements. Provide campus wide project and event support.

Responsibilities

1. Under the direction of the Facilities Management Director, manage, schedule, and prioritize the work of grounds crew staff.

2. Train grounds crew for quality control and completion of tasks as assigned.

3. Communicates and coordinates with Director, FM Operations Manager and FM Support Coordinator to ensure success.

4. Responsible for employee work management, timecard review and data input.

5. Supervises work in progress and inspects completed assignments to insure satisfactory progress, quality of work in accordance with operating procedures and/or practices.

6. Responsible for staff efficiency, safety, and work standards as it pertains to grounds and event support.

7. Ensure vendors are familiar and comply with requirements and standards in the Facilities Management Contractor Handbook

8. Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and safety codes.

9. Prepare and maintain records, reports, inventories, and staff evaluations.

10. Assists Director and Operations Manager with budget preparation based upon desired level of maintenance and assist in the planning for repair work. Assists with the control of expenditures of funds allotted to protect against over expenditures and helps to assure maximum utilization of funds. Also assists with planning and budgeting for replacement of maintenance equipment and associated needs.

11. Responds to emergency calls during business and non-business hours and takes corrective action as appropriate.

12. Review all work orders and assign tasks to the staff.

13. Coordinates all Special Event preparation setup/breakdown engaging Operations Manager as required.

14. Perform regular lawn maintenance, which includes mowing, planting, trimming, blowing and watering of turf, shrubs, flowers, and trees.

15. Act as consultant in the planning and design of new projects as it relates to landscaping and grounds work.

16. Plan, schedule and direct the application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. and assures proper and timely completion of such planned activities with outside contractors.

17. Coordinate with Operations Manager to insure all regular PM fleet service requests are executed and unexpected service needs are reported and scheduled for repair.

18. Responsible for maintaining current SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all chemical products used by grounds.

19. Provide campus office relocations along with ensuring the trash is removed daily.

20. Insure all vehicles and equipment are routinely checked for proper fluid levels, tire pressure, etc. and washed weekly or as needed.

21. Assist FM Director with rewarding, counseling, and disciplining staff.

22. Manages all irrigation projects as necessary.

Requirements

1. Associate’s degree (or equivalent).

2. Strong knowledge of local & adapted annual flowers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and planting materials as well as horticulturally proper maintenance practices.

3. One years of experience in operating grounds related equipment, i.e., mowers, edger’s, etc.

4. One year of supervisory experience.