OFFICIAL TITLE: Assistant Director of University Grounds
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director of Facilities Projects and Planning
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Subordinate personnel

General Statement of Duties: The Assistant Director of University Grounds assumes primary responsibility for the maintenance and beautification of university grounds. Overseeing a staff of grounds personnel, the Assistant Director will manage the property as seasons require, while adhering to both safety and budget requirements. This includes coordination of, but not limited to, seasonal planting, snow removal, and preparing the university landscape for major campus events throughout the calendar year.

Responsibilities:

(E)= Essential

• Plans, develops and manages grounds maintenance tasks in accord with seasonal calendar and University calendar to assure campus standards of appearance and safety are attained on a daily basis. Continuously modify and update these tasks as needed to maintain campus standards of appearance and safety related issues.
• Supervise, train and provide technical assistance to employees engaged in daily grounds maintenance tasks and special projects. Responsible for inspecting completed tasks to ensure satisfactory work has been performed.
• Responsible for coordinating snow removal activities with both contracted services/vendors and campus staff. On-site supervision is required during all snow removal activities.
• Utilize Department computerized work order system by creating and implementing preventative maintenance ground's tasks in accordance with seasonal and University calendars.
• Establish and maintain contacts with key University community members affected by, or concerned with, the quality and appearance of campus grounds.
• Responsible for supervisory tasks such as annual performance appraisals and disciplinary actions of all employees under his/her supervision. Maintains all associated time, attendance, and other necessary personnel records. Assure that the policies of the University and the Facilities Department, as well as safety regulations are known and observed by Grounds staff.
• Actively participate as a member of the University Stormwater Management Team. Perform inspections, identify deficiencies and assist with implementation of corrective actions and policy changes as required. Train and monitor staff for compliance. Coordinate annual maintenance of pollution control devices such as catch basins and stormceptors.
• Perform tasks related to the University's environmental compliance program. Duties include monitoring and managing waste generated by the Grounds Department, assist EH&S with transporting hazardous wastes across campus, and perform inspections related to compliance of the University's Spill Prevention Controls and Countermeasures Plan. These inspections include emergency generators, exterior municipal solid waste and recycling equipment, electrical transformers. Assist EH&S and University Police with responses to traffic accident releases.
• Develop short and long-term plans for capital projects with landscape architect and landscaping vendors for the renewal of existing, and installation of new, campus green space features and landscapes.
• Consults with vendors and others to recommend and obtain appropriate materials, supplies and equipment. Manages and coordinates contract services.
• Works in conjunction with other University staff in coordinating needs and resources.
• Recommends necessary and adequate staffing levels; assists in the recruitment and selection of qualified staff.
• Responsible for the inventory of grounds equipment and materials.
• Responsible for maintaining Facilities fleet vehicles including coordination of scheduled service and replacement of vehicles.
• Prepare annual operating budget for areas of responsibility. Monitor expenses as needed throughout the fiscal year. Prepare annual capital expense plan for areas of responsibility.
• Act as project manager for various building and grounds projects as assigned by Director. Manage and direct both internal and external vendors to assure that project specifications and budget requirements are fulfilled.
• Serves as essential personnel during university emergencies, including winter storms.
• Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 10 years' experience in all areas of commercial landscaping, including the management of work force assignments.
• 5 - 10 years' experience in hardscaping construction and maintenance
• 5 - 10 years' experience managing snow removal activities in a commercial environment. This should include the management of equipment and work force deployment.
• Prior experience supervising a workforce performing similar grounds duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituencies of the University in written and oral fashion.
• Proficiency with use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to plan, organize, and evaluate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to motivate subordinates.
• Ability to perform above-stated duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, turf management or landscape architecture.
• Valid hoisting license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety
• Prior experience supervising in a union setting preferred.

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education.
Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 9 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.