Grounds Housing Support Manager

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Paid leave

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chapel Hill is seeking a Grounds Housing Support Manager to supervise landscape maintenance and installation for campus areas. Responsibilities include managing a crew, conducting preventive equipment maintenance, and collaborating on various projects. Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience, with supervisory experience preferred. Strong knowledge of horticultural principles and leadership in a customer-oriented environment are essential. This position requires the ability to work in all weather conditions and to handle physical demands effectively.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience, two of which are supervisory.
• Ability to supervise and direct landscape management crews.
• Valid NC Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Supervises landscape maintenance and installation for assigned campus areas.
• Participates in preventive maintenance of equipment and set-up for special events.
• Collaborates with campus-wide crews on various projects.

Skills

Knowledge of horticultural principles

Supervisory skills

Equipment maintenance

Team-player leadership

Experience with grounds management equipment

Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Two-year degree in ornamental horticulture or related field (preferred)

Tools

Grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

Grounds Housing Support Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. Chapel Hill offers a vibrant community with diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities. UNC employees enjoy extensive professional training, exclusive perks, a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, health, life, retirement plans and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Position Summary

The Grounds Housing Support Manager supervises a crew of employees who manage all aspects of landscape maintenance and installation for assigned areas of campus. The crews provide year‑round maintenance of lawns, shrubs, ornamental trees, walkways, parking lots and natural areas using a wide range of equipment and techniques. The crews also receive assistance from and collaborate with campus‑wide crews in forestry, irrigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), capital projects and facilities projects to accomplish work in their assigned areas and throughout campus. The manager reads and executes landscape plans for installations and renovations, participates in human resources management, preventive maintenance of equipment, set‑up for special events, and the department’s adverse weather response.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in the area of assignment, of which two years are supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require certification or eligibility for certification.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Considerable knowledge of horticultural principles and practices applicable to landscape maintenance.
• Ability to supervise and direct crews in landscape management services.
• Ability to supervise an effective program in preventive maintenance for a full range of equipment used in grounds upkeep.
• Team‑player leadership in a productive, customer‑oriented environment.
• Experience operating and performing preventive maintenance on a wide range of grounds management equipment.
• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid NC Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
• Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, including during adverse weather or other emergency conditions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Completion of a two‑year degree or above in ornamental horticulture or related degree/experience.
• NC Pesticide Application License or ability to obtain one within one year.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to work in all weather conditions and temperatures.
• Frequent exposure to dust, dirt, grease, grime, chemicals, pesticides, native animals, and outdoor insects.
• Good hand/eye coordination and frequent use of hands, arms, and legs.
• Considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, and twisting daily.
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.