Assistant Director of Grounds

Hofstra University; Town of Hempstead (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY is seeking an Assistant Director of Grounds to lead the Grounds Department and oversee the Hofstra Arboretum. You will manage daily operations, supervise staff, and coordinate with events and athletic activities to ensure high standards in landscape, safety, and maintenance.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5–7 years of union workforce leadership. Strong planning, budgeting, and GIS capabilities (ArcGIS) are highly valued, along with a valid NY

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience managing a union workforce.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; scheduling/work-order software experience is a plus.
• Thorough knowledge of grounds installation, operations, and maintenance; experience with large grounds equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in all weather conditions.
• Valid New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape, construction, and irrigation drawings.
• Strong communication, management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Schedules and supervises grounds maintenance and project work, events, and Athletic Department outdoor activities.
• Monitors, tracks, and verifies work order hours for accuracy.
• Delegates assignments and ensures subordinates meet performance standards.
• Ensures safety compliance and proper maintenance of tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Oversees budgets for departmental operating and capital projects; monitors contracts and vendors.
• Inspects and monitors irrigation, landscapes, and grounds facilities.
• Uses computer-based management software for planning, scheduling, and timekeeping.
• Supports Hofstra Athletics, Summer Camps, and University Events and Conferences.
• Participates in weather emergency operations and 24/7 on-call coverage.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Management

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Work order software

Reading drawings

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ArcGIS

GIS databases

Job description

About Hofstra

Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title

Assistant Director of Grounds

Position Number

899197

Position Category

Administration

School/Division

Facilities and Operations

Full-Time or Part-Time

Full-Time

Description

Reporting to the Director of Grounds, the Assistant Director is responsible for assisting the Director with the daily management and performance of the Grounds Department at Hofstra University and the curation of the Hofstra Arboretum.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Schedules and supervises grounds maintenance and project work, events, and Athletic Department outdoor activities.
• Monitors, tracks, and verifies work order hours to ensure accuracy.
• Delegates assignments and holds subordinates responsible for satisfactory performance.
• Monitors and ensures employee productivity, compliance, and quality of work assignments.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
• Maintains the inventory and proper care of all tools, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Assists in monitoring and administering departmental operating and capital project budgets.
• Helps oversee contractors and vendors to ensure work quality, scheduling, and safety compliance.
• Inspects and monitors irrigation systems.
• Uses computer-based management software systems for planning, scheduling, timekeeping, and event support.
• Ensures the daily removal of all trash and litter from landscapes, gardens, grounds, parking lots, hardscapes, and athletic fields.
• Provides maintenance and support services to Hofstra Athletics, Summer Camps, and University Events and Conferences.
• Assists Director with the oversight of snow-control operations and storm cleanup.
• Must be available 24/7 for campus weather emergencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience managing a union workforce.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience using scheduling and work-order software is a plus.
• Thorough knowledge of grounds installation, operations, and maintenance best practices, with experience operating and maintaining industry-standard commercial grounds vehicles, equipment, and systems.
• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks in all weather conditions.
• Valid New York State driver’s license, maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape, construction, and irrigation drawings.
• Strong communication, management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, arboriculture, or a related field; a master’s degree in a related field is a plus.
• Experience in a multi-building higher education, campus, or arboretum setting.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and the management of arboretum GIS databases.
• Arborist certification and/or New York State pesticide license.

Special Instructions

• Must be available 24/7 for campus weather emergencies.
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required for major University events and department functions.

Deadline

Open Until Filled

Date Posted

10/06/2026

EEO Statement

Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary/Salary Range

$100,000 - $110,000