Campus Grounds Lead: Landscape Operations & Projects

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Landscape Grounds Supervisor 1 to lead a 28‑person Grounds team and oversee a 250‑acre campus grounds operation within Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises. The role includes managing major maintenance projects, budgets, procurement, and vendor relations.

The ideal candidate has 4–6 years in landscaping, 1–3 years supervising staff, and a California DPR license (or equivalent). Strong leadership and customer service are essential for campus-wide operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 4–6 years of landscaping experience.
• 1–3 years of experience dealing with regulatory agencies (water districts, municipalities).
• 1–3 years of demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Must possess a valid California DPR Qualified Applicator’s License or Certificate Category A, or a California Structural Branch 2 license, with CEUs within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate all phases of landscape operations and maintenance for the Grounds program.
• Manage Grounds budget of $2,700,000 and major maintenance projects of about $4,000,000; oversee procurement, tree work budgets, vendor relations, and scheduling.
• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and landscape projects across campus; approve timecards and vacation requests; supervise weekend work; ensure annual performance evaluations; maintain staffing to serve 10,000+ students.
• Provide training and professional development; ensure compliance with policy; participate in long-range planning; communicate changes and promote customer service.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Landscape Grounds Supervisor 1 to lead a 28‑person Grounds team and oversee a 250‑acre campus grounds operation within Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises. The role includes managing major maintenance projects, budgets, procurement, and vendor relations.

The ideal candidate has 4–6 years in landscaping, 1–3 years supervising staff, and a California DPR license (or equivalent). Strong leadership and customer service are essential for campus-wide operations.