Grounds Manager

Job Summary

The Grounds Manager is responsible for the leadership, planning, coordination, and daily operation of all campus grounds and landscape maintenance activities. This position oversees the appearance, safety, and functionality of the university's outdoor environments, including lawns, athletic fields, landscaped areas, irrigation systems, parking lots, sidewalks, exterior waste management, and pest control programs. The Grounds Manager serves as a working supervisor who actively participates in field operations while directing staff, contractors, and seasonal personnel.

Essential Job Function, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, supervise, and participate in the maintenance of campus grounds, landscaping, turf, trees, shrubs, and flower beds
• Develop and implement annual grounds maintenance, mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and landscape improvement plans.
• Create and manage mowing schedules and seasonal grounds maintenance programs.
• Supervise grounds personnel, assign work orders, conduct training, and evaluate employee performance.
• Manage and coordinate contracted grounds, landscaping, snow removal, tree service, and pest control vendors.
• Develop and administer turf management programs, including fertilization, aeration, overseeding, weed control, and disease prevention.
• Maintain required pesticide and herbicide applicator licenses and ensure all applications comply with applicable regulations.
• Perform and oversee pesticide, herbicide, and integrated pest management activities.
• Manage exterior trash collection and campus cleanliness programs.
• Inspect campus grounds and identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with budgeting, equipment replacement planning, and procurement of grounds-related supplies and services.
• Maintain irrigation systems and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Respond to weather-related emergencies and assist with snow and ice removal operations.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, sprayers, skid steers, and related equipment.
• Maintain records related to pesticide applications, equipment maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Support campus events through grounds preparation, setup, and cleanup activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of turfgrass management, horticulture, landscaping practices, and grounds maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, and integrated pest management programs.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage systems, and landscape construction.
• Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate employees.
• Ability to develop maintenance schedules and prioritize work activities.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and safe equipment operation.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and contractors simultaneously.
• Proficiency with computers, work order systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to prepare reports, budgets, and maintenance plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• Certified Grounds Manager, Certified Sports Field Manager, or similar professional certification.
• Experience managing grounds operations for a university, municipality, school district, park system, golf course, or large commercial campus.
• Experience with irrigation system design and maintenance.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Experience preparing and managing departmental budgets.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds regularly and greater weights with assistance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow.
• Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and emergency response situations as required.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and perform inspections throughout campus facilities and grounds.

Lincoln University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at 573-681-5018.