Grounds Superintendent

Grounds Superintendent

The Grounds Superintendent directs, trains, and supervises the operational and personnel activities of the Grounds Department within the Physical Plant.   The Grounds Superintendent reports to the Director of the Physical Plant and is responsible for all aspects of landscape design, planning, maintenance, construction, irrigation, disease identification and treatment in turf/plants/trees, pest control, budget preparation, bid specification, and personnel management.

Plans, directs, manages, and leads the overall operation of the grounds department to maintain a safe and attractive landscape, including assigning, training, and evaluating work for grounds areas owned or operated by the University.

The Grounds Superintendent will work with all areas of the campus in campus design and maintenance to ensure compliance with the University Landscape Master Plan and University Facility Masterplan.  This requires regular communication with the University Leadership Team, Esthetics Committee, and contract designers.

The Grounds Superintendent ensures that all State and Federal regulations are followed regarding, but not limited to, the use of pesticides, herbicides, waste collection, and employee safety.

The Grounds Superintendent communicates with administrators, personnel, and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.

The Grounds Superintendent provides technical expertise, information, and assistance to the University regarding assigned functions; and participates in the formulation and development of policies, procedures, and programs as requested.

The Grounds Superintendent works with the University Community and the City Solid Waste Department regarding pick-up of waste, placement of solid waste receptacles, recycling efforts, and scheduling.

The Grounds Superintendent serves in a leadership role of the Physical Plant and is required to share in call-out duty and perform other related duties as assigned.

The Grounds Department maintains athletic fields and ensures that they meet conference and NCAA requirements.  The Grounds Department assists in pre-game and post-game facility preparation and clean-up.

The Grounds Department empties outdoor waste receptacles and ensures that the University property is well maintained, clean, and presents the University in a positive light.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred education is a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Agricultural Science.
• Preferred is 5 years related experience in landscape maintenance, pest management, and three years supervising a grounds maintenance staff.
• Ability to obtain a Louisiana Pesticide Applicator License within six months of employment. Must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Louisiana and possess an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Methods and techniques of grounds maintenance and repair of irrigation systems
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Safety and accident prevention practices
• Horticulture and landscape maintenance
• Operate vehicles including pickup trucks, tractors, forklifts, mowers, and other landscape equipment; towing trailers, and the safe loading of trailers; and snow removal equipment including snow plows
• Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering, and reporting

Ability to:

• Supervise and implement a comprehensive grounds maintenance program
• Assist in preparing and administering a budget
• Assign work and supervise assigned staff
• Monitor the work and prepare/present performance evaluations
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of work and projects performed
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals, whether members of the public or coworkers, from diverse groups and backgrounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is generally performed in both an office environment and an outdoor environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. When working out of doors, may encounter varying terrain (some potentially hazardous) in all types of extreme weather conditions and involves potential exposure to pesticides and maintenance-related substances, blood-borne pathogens, and diseased animals. The position involves recurring early and late hours with exposure to hazards, ventilation problems and noise extremes, high vehicular traffic, and congested areas. Travel between college locations using a college-owned vehicle or personal vehicle may be required. Frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping, or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. Incumbent may be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Please click apply to submit your resume for immediate consideration.