Building/Grounds Mgr

Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Columbia, SC seeks a Building/Grounds Manager to oversee the Sandhill Research Education Center’s facilities and grounds. You will manage complex maintenance, operate heavy equipment, and support agriculture and natural resources operations.

The role requires an Associate's degree and related experience; you will supervise staff, train for safety, coordinate with vendors, and ensure adherence to Clemson's guidelines.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with building and grounds maintenance principles.
• Ability to coordinate with vendors and contractors.
• Experience supervising staff and performing safety training.

Responsibilities

• Supports Sandhill REC goals by assisting the Director with planning, operations and compliance.
• General maintenance and ground maintenance: direct routine tasks, assess repairs, liaise with external vendors, and approve project closeouts.
• Inspection, coordination and training: supervise staff, coordinate safety training, and ensure system safety and security alarms.
• Development and construction coordination: plan drainage, roadworks, earthmoving projects, and arrange heavy equipment and contractor involvement.
• Industrial maintenance and compliance: oversee HVAC and system checks, and ensure hazardous material compliance across Sandhill REC.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Grounds maintenance

Safety compliance

Education

Associate's degree

Job description

Building/Grounds Mgr

Full Time

JR-10820

JOB SUMMARY:

Manages facilities and grounds of the Sandhill Research Education Center. Responsible for performing complex maintenance and repair tasks on all buildings and facilities at Sandhill REC to include office buildings, conference / meeting space, agriculture support buildings, greenhouses, irrigation pumping stations, irrigation hydrants. Operates and maintains heavy equipment for management of grounds and facilities . Assist with overall management of agriculture and natural resources operations at Sandhill REC. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 10% Supports goals of Sandhill Research and Education programs: Assists Director with planning, operations and compliance for all systems to support the research and education goals at Sandhill REC.
• 40% General maintenance repair, building and ground maintenance: Directs all routine maintenance, repair, daily operation of all plant systems including heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and cleaning. Performs preliminary analysis of all repairs, rehabilitation or new construction projects at Sandhill REC, including safety/cost analysis as well as all permitting concerns. Acts as liaison to all outside vendors/contractors. Gives final inspection and completion approval to all projects.
• 20% Inspection, Coordination, Personnel Management and Training: Directs inspections in coordination with Department of Environmental Services of Sandhill REC drinking water, wastewater systems. Maintains and test systems. Trains, direct and evaluates staff. Coordinates and provides safety training, including fire pumps, safety equipment and fire/security alarms. Coordinates security system maintenance and operation with IT and other Sandhill REC personnel.
• 20% Development and Construction Coordinator: Coordinates, implements and maintains the construction of drainage infrastructure, road systems, earth moving projects, land reclamation projects and storm damage remediation. Arranges rental and/or use of heavy equipment necessary for these specific operations and/or management of outside contractors for similar activities.
• 10% Industrial Maintenance and Research Compliance: Coordinates HVAC and system maintenance inspections. Coordinates research compliance and hazardous material compliance with respective offices at Clemson for Sandhill REC. Works with Farm Manager to maintain irrigation systems and fencing including security gates.

JOB CODE:

KA30

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

An Associate's degree and professional experience directly related to the area of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises work of others and may offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): 5% Walk or move about: 5% Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: 5% Recognize or inspect visually: 5% Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): 5%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Emergency Response - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is required to respond in order to provide the University's initial response to the emergency situation, including the execution of mission essential functions. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on call.

JOB LOCATION:

Columbia, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 9, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference:

South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.