Landscape Zone Manager - Central Services
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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
The Landscape Manager- Central Services (LMCS) at NC State University is a dynamic leadership role responsible for overseeing landscape maintenance and operations for the Central Services. This position guides a talented team of 15+ staff members, ensuring that the campus grounds, turf, and horticultural elements are maintained to the highest standards. The LMCS plays a pivotal role in managing horticultural practices, irrigation, turf health, greenhouse and indoor plant care, sustainability efforts, and a vibrant student intern program. You'll also be at the forefront of coordinating essential services to keep campus grounds safe and accessible year-round, including during adverse weather conditions. In addition to supervising staff, this role involves providing training, employee development, timekeeping, and performance management. As an LZM, you will collaborate with university leadership on sustainability initiatives and contribute to innovative landscape practices and technologies. This position offers exciting opportunities for professional growth in an environment that prioritizes sustainability and excellence. Join us in shaping a beautiful, safe, and sustainable campus!
Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinate landscape, turf, and horticultural maintenance programs to ensure campus aesthetics and functionality
- Oversee centralized management of green roofs, greenhouse operations, Integrated pest management, turf health and irrigation, horticulture maintenance and sustainability initiatives for the Landscape Services department.
- Ensure campus accessibility and safety by managing operations during all weather conditions, including debris removal and walkway clearing, while providing timely updates to campus partners
- Supervise staff performance, conduct performance appraisals, manage disciplinary actions, and support employee development initiatives
- Collaborate with the Landscape Field Lead and implement cutting-edge technologies and best practices in landscape maintenance to align goals with campus needs and sustainability initiatives
- Manage equipment, resources, and materials, providing input on purchases to support complex work assignments
- Pursue continuing education and serve as a technical resource, sharing new knowledge and best practices with staff
- Develop plans for sustainability in landscape maintenance, including reducing chemical usage in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives
- Prepare cost estimates, manage work orders, and coordinate with the Planning team for requisitions and project execution
- Organize and plan landscape and grounds maintenance for campus events, ensuring proper equipment and labor resources are available
- Engage in financial planning by preparing budgets, managing labor costs, and making informed financial decisions on landscape maintenance needs
- Foster a collaborative, safety-first culture by ensuring compliance with safety standards, OSHA, EPA regulations, and university guidelines, while maintaining and enforcing safety protocols through regular inspections of work areas and equipment
- Drive continuous improvement through the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to meet customer and departmental goals
- Maintain and enforce safety and hazardous materials protocols, conducting regular inspections of work areas and equipment
- Support hiring processes, conduct interviews, provide salary recommendations, and oversee staffing levels to meet operational demands
- Communicate professionally with supervisors and the general public while accurately interpreting and executing verbal and written instructions related to work assignments and departmental operations
- Perform physical labor including the frequent lifting or moving of materials up to 30 lbs and occasional lifting of up to 60 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodations
Other Work/Responsibilities:
- This position is designated as a critical role and is deemed essential personnel for the University and may be required to report to work during adverse weather conditions even though the University may be closed to normal operations or operating on an alternate schedule
- This position may assist with snow and ice removal under the direction of a supervisor
- Special projects as assigned or required by leadership as well as unanticipated duties and responsibilities necessary for the job position, including landscape design and planning
- Performs studies and cost analysis for funded and/or new construction landscaping projects as directed and creates reports for various administrative needs
Minimum Experience/Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in the area of assignment, of which two years are supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require Certification or Eligibility For Certification
Required Qualifications:
N/A
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in professional groundskeeping, turf management, and staff supervision, including the oversight of departmental budgets and research initiatives.
- Expertise in delivering high-level presentations and navigating various communication media within a university or campus-based organization.
Required License or Certification:
- Valid Driver's License Required
- North Carolina Driver's License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained
- Valid NC Pesticide license within 6 months of hire
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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