Head Groundskeeper

Head Groundskeeper

Chatham University welcomes applicants for the position of Head Groundskeeper.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Campus Services, the Head Groundskeeper will coordinate, direct, and participate in the activities of the grounds crew in performing routine and recurring maintenance of campus grounds, including all lawns, shrubs, trees, sidewalks and roads, signs, and parking areas. The position is also responsible for coordinating, directing, and assisting in removing snow and ice from roads, walks, and steps on campus throughout the day and night. All work is subject to inspection for conformance to specifications and accepted standards of the trade but is primarily reviewed through observation results. Because this department intertwines with other departments, this position must frequently plan, cooperate, and contribute to the institution by sharing and working with peers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Through the guidance of the assistant director and director, coordinate and direct the daily operations of the landscaping crew, including assigning, directing, and coordinating tasks, accounting for their time, attendance, and work schedules, and directing the department's efforts efficiently and professionally.
• Coordinate, direct, and participate in maintaining all grassy areas of the college. Maintenance includes watering, mowing, trimming, planting, seeding, and fertilizing.
• Coordinate, direct, and help maintain all college bushes, shrubs, flowers, and small trees.
• Coordinate, direct, and remove leaves, twigs, branches, debris, and other foreign material from the college's property.
• Coordinate with and respond to the direction of both internal and external stakeholders to meet the maintenance standards of the Shadyside Arboretum.
• Coordination is not necessary for general maintenance tasks.
• Develop and prepare cost estimates and plans for requested or planned horticultural and landscaping projects. The director and assistant director of facilities will closely coordinate and approve these projects.
• Coordinate, direct, and help assess the campus grounds daily, including picking up trash and debris.
• Coordinate, direct, and help empty exterior trash containers and assist in removing trash put out by housekeeping.
• Coordinate, direct, and help with spot-repairing roads, walkways, and steps.
• Coordinate, direct, and help with maintaining grounds' equipment.
• Coordinate, direct, and help remove snow and ice from college roads, walks, and steps using manual and motorized equipment.
• Coordinate, direct, and help maintain surface drainage by clearing catch basins.
• Maintain accurate records for chemical use and maintenance work, including mowing, seeding, fertilization, aeration, pesticide and herbicide use.
• Plan, schedule, and direct the application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.
• Inventory and requisition supplies, tools, and parts as needed. Maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate, direct, and help maintain trash containers, bike racks, outdoor seating, fountains, and ponds.
• Supervise and participate in the maintenance and installation of campus signage.
• Train crews in all assigned areas of responsibility.
• At management's request, advise and recommend hiring in the grounds department. Management has the final decision-making authority and responsibility.
• Because of necessary fluctuations of workloads in the skill area, an individual in this class may be required, on an occasional basis according to need, to perform duties outside his/her trade area at a level of skill the same as or lower than required by his ordinary assignment.

Qualifications:

• Must possess at least an associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape management, or a related subject.
• Must possess at least four years of experience as a supervisor in landscaping or gardening. A graduate degree in horticulture, landscape management, management, or a related field may be substituted for one year of supervisory experience.
• Since the nature of the campus requires continuous service and emergencies may arise during other than normal work hours, this position will be required to provide a telephone number and be willing to accept emergency call-ins and overtime work when necessary.
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania certification in pesticide and herbicide application.
• Must possess a Pennsylvania driver's license.

Physical Requirements:

• This position may require physically demanding work, such as lifting heavy weights (up to 100 pounds for numerous repetitions) and manually transporting tools, supplies, and equipment.
• This position requires the ability to work outdoors in all climates.
• This position must possess the manual coordination required to operate riding mowers, tractors, skid-steer loaders, and other equipment.

Salary:

• This position will be filled at the hourly rate of $31.61. 40-hour work week.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.applicantpro.com/jobs/3732577) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.

Salary : $32