Grounds Lead

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Professional Development

Job summary

University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is seeking an experienced Grounds Lead to provide hands-on leadership in maintaining the campus outdoors. You will supervise a grounds team across landscaped areas, walkways, and parking zones, ensuring safety and high standards.

You will direct turf care, planting bed maintenance, tree work, and seasonal tasks while supporting events and campus activities. A strong background in grounds maintenance and safety is essential, with a commitment to

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety practices, tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in maintenance of grounds.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• Landscape industry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead & supervise: Plan, assign, perform, and oversee daily grounds maintenance activities while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to University standards.
• Maintain campus landscapes: Direct and perform turf maintenance, planting bed care, tree and shrub maintenance, and general landscape improvements.
• Manage seasonal operations: Coordinate and participate in spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, planting, pruning, and other seasonal grounds activities.
• Support grounds and weed management: Control weeds using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods while following established safety procedures.
• Maintain safe and welcoming outdoor spaces: Ensure landscaped areas, natural areas, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and other campus grounds are maintained to a high standard.
• Support the campus community: Assist with outdoor and indoor event setups for University meetings, conferences, student activities, and special events.

Skills

Safety practices

Grounds maintenance

Landscape knowledge

Equipment maintenance

Job description

Grounds Lead Department: BFT Grounds Services Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC: From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

GROUNDS LEAD

University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Help Keep the Lowcountry—and USCB—Beautiful

The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is seeking an experienced and dependable Grounds Lead to provide hands‑on leadership in maintaining the University's beautiful coastal campuses. Located in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, USCB offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping create safe, welcoming, and attractive outdoor environments for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Make an Impact on Campus

The Grounds Lead performs and supervises grounds maintenance activities across USCB's landscaped and natural areas, walkways, driveways, parking areas, and other outdoor spaces. This position provides day‑to‑day direction to grounds personnel while actively participating in the work necessary to maintain the appearance, safety, and functionality of University property.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead & Supervise: Plan, assign, perform, and oversee daily grounds maintenance activities while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to University standards.
• Maintain Campus Landscapes: Direct and perform turf maintenance, planting bed care, tree and shrub maintenance, and general landscape improvements.
• Manage Seasonal Operations: Coordinate and participate in spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, planting, pruning, and other seasonal grounds activities.
• Support Grounds & Weed Management: Control weeds using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods while following established safety procedures.
• Maintain Safe & Welcoming Outdoor Spaces: Help ensure landscaped areas, natural areas, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and other campus grounds are maintained to a high standard.
• Support the Campus Community: Assist with outdoor and indoor event setups for University meetings, conferences, student activities, and special events.

More Than Grounds Maintenance

At USCB, our campuses are an important part of the student experience. The Grounds Lead plays a key role in creating the first impression of our University and maintaining outdoor spaces where students learn, connect, celebrate, and build community. We are looking for a candidate who takes pride in their work, can effectively lead and motivate a grounds team, understands safe landscape maintenance practices, and is ready to be an active part of a growing university community.

Work Where Others Vacation

With campuses located in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, USCB is surrounded by the natural beauty and distinctive character of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Join a university where your work can make a visible difference every day. Bring your leadership, grounds maintenance experience, and commitment to excellence to USCB—and help us keep our campuses beautiful, safe, and ready to welcome the Sand Shark community.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of safety practices, tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in maintenance of grounds.
• Skills in making emergency and general repairs and adjustments to equipment used in building and maintenance work.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• Landscape industry knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety practices, tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in maintenance of grounds.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• South Carolina pesticide license.

Benefits Package

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.