Grounds Supervisor

Job Summary

The University Grounds Supervisor is responsible for the comprehensive care, functionality, and long term stewardship of the university’s outdoor environments. This role requires advanced expertise in horticulture, agronomy, gardening, large scale irrigation systems, and mechanical/small engine maintenance, combined with strong leadership, administrative capability, and operational planning skills. The supervisor manages grounds staff and contractors, oversees the motor pool, and ensures that landscapes, roadways, pavements, and natural areas remain safe, sustainable, and visually exceptional year round.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of horticulture, agronomy, turf science, irrigation systems, and garden management.
• Experience managing athletic fields, institutional grounds, or municipal landscapes.
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical repair and small‑engine maintenance.
• Experience supervising grounds staff and coordinating contractor work.
• Proficiency with computers, including email, spreadsheets, and digital recordkeeping.
• Experience using online work‑order systems or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to perform payroll and timekeeping functions accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of grounds equipment and vehicles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Possession of a valid New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) Medical Certificate, or ability to obtain one upon hire.
• Ability to obtain pesticide applicator certification if required.

Essential Functions

• Direct and oversee all campus grounds and landscape operations, including turf management, ornamental plantings, tree and shrub care, seasonal displays, integrated pest management, and maintenance of athletic fields to Division I standards, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and visually exceptional campus environment.
• Manage and maintain campus irrigation systems, including automated controls, pump stations, valves, distribution networks, and water conservation initiatives; monitor system performance and coordinate repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate grounds personnel and contractors, ensuring efficient daily operations, quality workmanship, compliance with university policies, and adherence to environmental and safety standards.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal and emergency operations, including snow and ice removal, storm response, commencement preparation, event support, leaf removal, and other campus operational needs.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and inventory management of grounds equipment, small engines, utility vehicles, and the university motor pool, including preventative maintenance planning and equipment replacement recommendations.
• Utilize computerized systems and perform administrative functions related to work order management, payroll and timekeeping, scheduling, inventories, maintenance records, budgeting support, reporting, and operational documentation.
• Coordinate the maintenance and long-term stewardship of campus infrastructure and natural areas, including roadways, sidewalks, paved surfaces, drainage systems, trails, ecological zones, sustainability initiatives, wildlife management efforts, and campus beautification projects in collaboration with university departments and external vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, botany, horticulture, agronomy, landscape management, or a related field.
• Experience with irrigation system design, snow removal operations, wildlife management, or roadway maintenance.