Grounds Manager

School District No. 39 (Vancouver); Vancouver; On-site; CAD 113,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school district located in Vancouver is seeking a Grounds Manager responsible for overseeing all facilities maintenance operations. The successful candidate will lead efforts in managing horticultural areas, ensuring safety compliance, and supervising a dedicated team. This role requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills, along with a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing a collaborative culture focused on student success.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Municipal Pension Plan

Paid vacation days

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience in a multi-site organization.
• Proven experience in grounds maintenance management.
• Strong knowledge of horticulture and landscaping practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage all grounds maintenance operations ensuring efficiency and safety.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide training to increase staff proficiency.
• Develop effective maintenance programs and safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Education

Diploma in horticulture, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

School District No. 39 (Vancouver School Board) – Grounds Manager

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)
With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil‑Waututh Nation). We embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and work to expand Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and within our 107 schools and programs, where more than 50,000 students learn and grow, of which nearly 5% identify as being of Indigenous ancestry. The Vancouver School Board (VSB), respects, prioritizes, and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.
At VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems. Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. More than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts.
Our commitment to students goes beyond academics. Students’ overall well‑being and sense of belonging are equally important. We strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence‑based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we seek to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/.

THE OPPORTUNITY: GROUNDS MANAGER

Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities, the Grounds Manager is responsible for managing and supervising all VSB Facilities grounds maintenance and repair activities. This includes overseeing horticultural areas, tree maintenance, fencing, sports fields, playgrounds, parking lots, drainage systems, irrigation systems, and walkways. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective leadership, strategic planning, and operational management within a fast‑paced, unionized environment, with a strong focus on safety, people leadership, and efficient fleet management within the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organize, and control Grounds maintenance operations to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Ensure compliance with applicable school district regulations and procedures.
• Recommend appropriate staffing levels for the Grounds Maintenance team.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide training to staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Facilities and HR/LR on hiring, promotions, and employee management.
• Prepare and present operational reports for existing budgets, projects planning, and management.
• Manage the annual operating budgets for Grounds Maintenance and assist in budgeting to obtain annual facilities grants and capital replacement grants, ensuring efficient operation of the operating fund with full control of the incurred actual costs of labor and materials pertaining to each budget.
• Develop and implement effective maintenance programs and safety protocols to ensure a reliable and inclusive workplace environment.
• Foster positive relationships with schools, community members, and external partners.
• Coordinate ongoing operational needs with the City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation and Engineering Departments.

Safety Protocols

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive safety protocols for all Grounds maintenance activities based on the existing district’s health and safety policies and in compliance with existing safety regulations from work safe BC, including possible environmental regulations and effects due to the Grounds personnel activity.
• Conduct regular safety training sessions and workshops for Grounds staff to ensure adherence to safety standards and procedures.
• Perform routine safety inspections of all Grounds maintenance equipment and facilities to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by all Grounds staff.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records of safety training, incidents, and corrective actions based on the existing protocols.
• Collaborate with the district’s health and safety officer to stay informed about the latest safety regulations and best practices.
• Promote a culture of safety awareness and accountability among all Grounds maintenance staff.
• Ensure a safe environment for the school aged communities within VSB Facilities Grounds.

People Leadership

• Inspire and empower teams through effective motivational strategies, fostering a culture of high engagement and achievement.
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and belonging, building a caring and respectful workplace.
• Provide clear and consistent communication with staff, ensuring they are informed and engaged.
• Recognize and celebrate team and individual achievements to boost morale and productivity.
• Address and resolve conflicts in a fair and timely manner, promoting a positive work environment.
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common goals.

Fleet Management

• Oversee the efficient management of the Grounds maintenance fleet, ensuring vehicle availability and reliability based on the information from the fleet foreperson.
• Collaborate with the fleet mechanics’ foreperson to schedule regular maintenance and repairs.
• Monitor fleet usage and implement strategies to optimize vehicle allocation and reduce downtime.
• Manage fleet‑related budgets, including fuel, maintenance, and replacement costs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant transportation regulations and safety standards.
• Coordinate with the District’s Risk Management director on fleet insurance claims and related matters.
• Maintain accurate records of fleet operations, including maintenance schedules, usage logs, and incident reports.

This position is currently 100% in‑person, operating from the Vancouver School Board Grounds Maintenance Department (5905 Wales St, Vancouver).

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Diploma in horticulture, business, or a related field, or trade certificate.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience, preferably in busy, multi‑site organizations.
• Proven experience in Grounds maintenance management or a related role.
• Strong knowledge of horticulture, landscaping, sports fields, and Grounds maintenance practices.
• Fleet management experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate coaching skills including acting as a mentor to staff.
• Maintain composure under pressure including situations involving multiple tight, critical deadlines.
• Show high level of initiative.
• Build and maintain good working relationships through strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possess strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Able to exercise judgment and to make decisions in areas without clearly defined procedures.
• Able to balance competing priorities and know when to elevate issues to the Payroll & Benefits Manager.
• Able to handle private and sensitive information with discretion.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills and advanced Excel skills.

COMPENSATION

The compensation package will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The salary range for the position is $113,138 to $133,104 plus a comprehensive benefits package, including Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employee Savings Plan (additional 2% of base salary), Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, 20 paid sick days accrued each calendar year, 20 paid vacation days each calendar year (25 after 6 years of service), potential up to 4 days paid Gratuity, and five bonus supplemental paid vacation days after 11 years of employment every five years. Further details can be provided through the recruitment and selection process.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please apply via Make a Future at https://buff.ly/heP4mHa and include a cover letter and resume along with your application. The closing date for this competition is Thursday, January 1st at 12:00pm with an interim review on Dec 17th.

1. Create a profile on Make a Future
2. Click 'Apply Now' under Management positions
3. Upload all supporting documents. Your application must include a cover letter, resume and references (contacted only with your prior approval)
4. Answer the job posting questions
5. Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.

Additional Information for Applicants:
As a public body, the personal information provided in this application is collected and used by the Vancouver School Board (VSB) in accordance with section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), RSBC 1996, c.165, as amended. This information will be used by VSB staff for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications, experience, and suitability for this position. It may also be used to verify the information provided, conduct reference checks, and/or contact you about next steps in the job competition. Pursuant to section 30 of FIPPA, the VSB takes reasonable security measures to protect the personal information within its custody and control, including what has been provided in this application. Should you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please email [e-mail].
The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.