Landscape Operations Manager

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Assist the Director of Grounds, to include administration, management and maintenance of all campus grounds, sustainable horticultural practices, irrigation responsibilities and grounds at off campus, college properties. Responsible for assisting in the supervision of grounds staff. Manage the inventory of supplies for all department needs.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist and perform supervision and training of grounds staff including student workers (as needed), temporary employees, contracted vendors and volunteers.
• Assist with and perform/supervise repairs and modifications to irrigation systems.
• Responsible for modification of existing irrigation systems as well as planning, cost estimating, and installation of new systems.
• Responsible for managing, scheduling and adjusting irrigation systems for optimum watering-Via Rainbird, Maxicom Central Irrigation System.
• Responsible for spraying weeds and insect pests on campus grounds plants.
• Maintenance of lawns, shrubs, trees, ground covers, walks.
• Application of fertilizers, insecticides, sprays.
• Maintenance of all asphalt, concrete pavements and hardscape materials.
• Management and care of gardening power equipment as well as ensuring all grounds personnel adhere to safety practices with the objectives of preventing injuries to staff.
• Apply systematic approach to grounds maintenance and supports change management efforts and best practices.
• Work with Director on preparation of grounds for public events such as Commencement, etc.
• Work with staff on clearing of materials such as leaves, tree branches, and trash, from campus grounds.
• Review of maintenance and repair of all ground drainage systems.
• Maintenance and repair of all exterior signage such as traffic and directional signs.
• Maintenance and repair of fountains.
• Maintenance and repair of outdoor assets such as tables, chairs, benches, trash cans and umbrellas.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director of Grounds
• Serves as the Administrator-in-Charge of the Grounds Department and Sustainability Program as well as providing support to the Executive Director of Events with respect to events and the Sustainability Coordinator during times the Grounds Director is absent.
• Active support for the College's Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Horticultural knowledge of southern California landscape
• Thorough knowledge of sprinkler devices and irrigation equipment. Thorough knowledge of mechanical principles of sprinkler equipment. Ability to use grounds tools and equipment. Knowledge of water saving techniques, xeriscaping principles, and composting.
• Thorough knowledge of plant materials including native and drought tolerant plants; knowledge of specific water requirements for each type of plant. Understanding of Integrated Pest Management.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from plans, drawings and specifications.
• Must be able to read, speak, write and follow oral and written instructions in English. Bilingual in Spanish desirable.
• Computer skills, especially ACAD experience and familiarity with computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software designed to maintain an organization's maintenance operations, work force functions, and tracking of KPI's preferred.
• Ability to drive to off-campus locations as needed for supplies/training.
• Ability to supervise; must have excellent management and leadership skills. Ability to train new employees.
• Ability to interact well with a diverse community of students, faculty and staff members, including disabled employees from special programs to assist grounds crew.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in various outdoor climates including inclement weather.
• Knowledge of landscape design principles desirable.
• Must be able to do basic arithmetic computations.
• Ability to work productively without close supervision.
• Must have knowledge of safe work practices, including the use of equipment, tools and chemicals.
• Must prioritize all projects/staff assignments as required by various functions of the college.
• A mental mode of being proactive and reactionary when emergency situations may arise.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in horticultural science, landscape architecture, biological science, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and ability to perform at the level of service set forth by the Director of Grounds, and/or proven knowledge and experience in the above fields. Five or more years of grounds maintenance experience including at least one of those years performing as a grounds supervisor.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

Possess or Qualify for a California Department of Pesticide Regulation License: Qualified Applicator Certificate.