Director, Campus Grounds and Landscape - Facilities Services

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall appearance, safety, and care of university landscape grounds and team. Coordinates department work ensuring policy and procedure protocols are followed and oversees emergency response for various weather conditions and natural disasters on both campuses. Provides strategic and aspirational vision for campus grounds, ensuring they meet the highest standards of a world-class university. Leads multi-disciplinary teams in landscape design, maintenance, and sustainability efforts, while continually improving service quality and operational efficiency. Develops and implements comprehensive training programs in safety, general landscaping education, and sustainable landscape practices. Collaborates with the Planning and Design, Sustainability, Science and Research, and Environmental Health and Safety departments on new construction, landscape enhancements, and capital projects. Manages all aspects of the department's staff, budget, contract administration, and reporting related to the department.

Responsibilities

• Manages daily operations of the Landscape and Grounds department, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to best practices
• Oversees full-time staff, temporary labor, and vendors, including hiring, training, performance management, and disciplinary actions as needed
• Oversees the design and maintenance of campus landscapes and grounds, ensuring they meet world-class standards
• Manages department budgets and one-time funding projects, including purchasing, invoicing, and contractor management
• Develops and implements services, programs, and training for staff and student workers, focusing on professional development and landscape management education
• Leads and supports the University's sustainability initiatives related to landscape and grounds management
• Maintains the University arboretum and Trees USA certification
• Prepares key performance indicator reports, collects, and analyzes data, and provides reports on department activities
• Work closely with Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC) project managers and Sustainability, leadership, and external agencies on land use, construction projects, and landscape management
• Leads grounds emergency response planning and execution for natural disasters, including snow and/or ice removal and storm damage mitigation
• Guides the creation and implementation of long-term landscape plans, ensuring consistency with University goals, standards, and building design guidelines
• Provides technical guidance on landscape design, safety, and pedestrian traffic in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Reviews landscape plans and integrates them with University construction projects, ensuring aesthetic, operational, and safety standards are met
• Serves as the department's public representative, promoting the University's landscape efforts and collaborating with stakeholders
• Ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations and creates a culture of safety within the department

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience

Eight (8) years of experience in leadership overseeing multiple teams and managing operations across various sites simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Certified Arborist with ISA or TCIAA organizations

Professional credentials or certifications related to horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, and business management

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Proposed Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $96,000. Offers are based on relevant experience.

Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Able to delegate tasks, give clear directions, and develop positive relationships across all departments

Able to lead during inclement weather or emergency situations and provide on-site support as needed

Collaborates with other departments to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility across campus properties

Serves as a subject matter expert on landscape design trends, safety practices, and environmental sustainability efforts

Able to work in the field with crews during peak seasons or emergencies

Requires 24/7 on-call availability for campus emergencies

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Expertise in managing large-scale landscape projects, budget oversight, and contractor coordination

Knowledge of plant identification, pruning, planting techniques, and cultural requirements of plants and trees

Strong background in sustainable landscaping initiatives and urban forestry principles

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, presentation skills, team building and conflict resolution skills

Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, drawings, and maps, with proficiency in using computer programs (Microsoft Office, financial management systems, work management software, etc.)

Travel may be required, including overnight stays for conferences or site visits

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

Strong attention to detail and follow up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette