General Description :

The Grounds Supervisor and Arborist is responsible for supervision of grounds personnel for the maintenance of university landscape and systems, including trees, shrubs and irrigation on athletic facilities, formal and natural areas.

Assists in project development, planning and identification to achieve a cohesive and efficient landscape. Implements best practices in regards to sustainable landscape.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises grounds maintenance personnel and programs.
• Assist Campus Services Manager in interviewing and hiring personnel to fill vacancies as they occur. Interview, hire, and supervise student grounds assistants.
• Trains new grounds personnel on current university processes and practices.
• Oversee and provide expertise on maintaining the campus trees, shrubs and irrigation systems.
• Integrate sustainable best practices in the irrigation systems and planting of trees and shrubs.
• Coordinate with outside vendors / contractors on projects related to grounds.
• Prepare, update, and assist in maintaining drawings of campus landscapes.
• Maintain the campus inventory of all trees / shrubs and their conditions in a computer database.
• Responsible for the cleaning of university roofs, gutters, and downspouts (in-house or contract).
• Documents attendance and manages time sheets.
• Prepares performance evaluations and takes appropriate disciplinary action of the staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Facilities team members are considered essential University personnel. In the event of PLU declaring emergency status, essential personnel are expected to contact their supervisor for assignment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise, schedule and evaluate employees’ performance.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural practices and hazards associated with grounds maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of best management practices used in applying pesticides and fertilizers; plant identification; and tree, shrub, and turf grass diseases and their control.
• Strong knowledge of arboricultural practices used in pruning, planting and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of irrigation system design; architectural graphics.
• Knowledge of grounds equipment and heavy machinery.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Required Qualifications :

• 3 years grounds maintenance experience, including commercial landscape, park maintenance or related work. Education can substitute for some experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Certified Arborist or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License (Must have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years).
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background check, declaration regarding sexual misconduct with references (subject to verification), driving abstract, and pass PLU’s Driver’s Certification Training.

Preferred Qualifications :

• AA or BS degree in Horticulture, Forestry, or other related field.
• Knowledge of LEED sustainable landscaping applications.

Work Conditions :

Work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended period of time in environment containing dust, odors, and high level of noise (>

85dB).

• Work while bending and stooping for extended periods, as well as from above ground areas such as ladders, aerial platforms and / or scaffolds.
• Some early mornings for snow removal.

Physical Requirements :

• Ability to lift 50lbs on a regular basis and occasionally lift, roll, or move in excess of 100 lbs.
• Must be able to walk, crawl, run bend, stoop, kneel, climb and stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work from ladders, areal platforms and in situation where fall protection is required.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of hand and power tools and heavy equipment.
• Must possess good hearing and vison.

Special Instructions to Applicants : Other Information : PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice.

Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas / New Year’s break and extra time off during the summer), and many other great university benefits.

PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501 (3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and / or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu .

Last updated : 2024-05-23