Grounds Lead

State of South Carolina; Richland (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) seeks an experienced Grounds Lead to provide hands-on leadership in maintaining the university's coastal campuses. The role includes directing a grounds team to keep outdoor spaces attractive, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors.

The position focuses on overseeing turf, planting beds, and seasonal tasks, ensuring compliance with safety practices and pesticide licensing requirements when applicable.

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily grounds maintenance activities, ensuring safety and adherence to University standards.
• Direct turf maintenance, planting bed care, tree and shrub maintenance, and landscape improvements.
• Coordinate spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, planting and pruning, and other seasonal tasks.
• Support weed management using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods following safety procedures.
• Maintain safe and welcoming outdoor spaces across campus, including sidewalks and parking areas.
• Assist with outdoor and indoor event setups for University meetings and activities.

Skills

Safety practices

Heavy manual labor

Education

South Carolina pesticide license

Job description

Posting number: 9868872

Department: University of South Carolina

Job classification: Building/Grounds Specialist I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building & Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance

Summary

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.

Examples of duties

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

Qualifications

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

Supplemental information

Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicant Positions will remain posted on our employment website for a minimum of five (5) business days. After this period, postings may be closed at the department's discretion. Our site is updated regularly, and the length of the recruitment and screening process may vary depending on the position and related factors. If your qualifications are selected for further consideration, you will be contacted directly by phone or email.

• 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.