Grounds Maintenance Manager

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners; Florida; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading county organization is looking for a Grounds Maintenance Manager to oversee operations for parks and county properties. This hands-on leadership role will involve supervising a dedicated team, managing budgeting and maintenance contracts, and ensuring the safety and aesthetics of public spaces. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in public grounds management, with strong leadership qualities and a passion for community engagement.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Florida Retirement System

Long Term Disability Insurance

Vacation and Sick Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in grounds, landscape, or park maintenance.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in multi-site maintenance and capital project oversight preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations and maintenance efforts.
• Oversee turf and landscape care as well as maintenance contracts.
• Engage with stakeholders and manage community needs.

Skills

Leadership

Public relations

Grounds maintenance

Budget management

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Management or related field

Associate’s degree in Horticulture or Sports Turf Management

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

The Grounds Maintenance Manager is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and strategic direction of all grounds maintenance operations for Citrus County’s parks system and County-owned properties. This role ensures the consistent upkeep, safety, and visual appeal of 38 public parks, including athletic fields, courts, trailheads, boat ramps, two waterfront parks, playgrounds, and landscaped areas surrounding County buildings.

Serving as a key operational leader within the Parks and Recreation Division, the Grounds Maintenance Manager supervises and supports a team of 23 full-time staff and casual workers, coordinates third-party contractors, and ensures that all maintenance efforts align with County standards, public safety regulations, and environmental practices.

Key responsibilities include supervising daily operations, overseeing turf and landscape care, planning and executing capital improvements, managing maintenance contracts, developing and monitoring budgets, and engaging with residents and stakeholders to address community needs. The manager also plays a vital role in long-term asset planning and emergency response related to park infrastructure.

This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role for a candidate with proven experience in public grounds management, team supervision, and multi-site maintenance planning—ideally within a local government setting.

The typical work schedule for the Grounds Maintenance Manager (Exempt) is Monday through Friday, following a standard 8-hour workday. However, flexibility is required, as the position may occasionally involve working evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs, and respond to emergencies.

Leadership & Management

• Supervises, plans, and coordinates daily work tasks of assigned staff. Reviews and evaluates employee performance and completes performance evaluations. Counsels staff and initiates corrective or disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ensures all staff operations promote safety, health, and public welfare in accordance with county policies and regulations.
• Establishes, implements, and regularly reviews standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operational effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency across all maintenance activities.

Operations & Oversight

• Oversee the care and maintenance of turf, landscaping, irrigation systems, and park infrastructure.
• Manages and inspects contractors work related to grounds and open space maintenance.
• Maintains detailed records and reports pertaining to ongoing and completed park projects.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance service quality.

Capital Improvement & Planning

• Leads planning and implementation of capital improvement and asset replacement projects.
• Supports long-term asset planning and infrastructure lifecycle management.

Budget & Procurement

• Contributes to the preparation of the annual budget.
• Monitors and controls expenditure; manages procurement of supplies, chemicals, equipment, and materials.
• Approves purchase orders and maintains inventory documentation.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Addresses and resolve timely public complaints and maintenance concerns.
• Meets with stakeholders to gather input and provide updates on park conditions and projects.
• Represents the department at meetings and public forums, as needed.

Other Duties

• Drives and/or operates a county vehicle or equipment and must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.
• Coordinates and oversee spraying programs for insect, weed, and disease control.
• May work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or a closely related field preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in grounds, landscape, or park maintenance.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience, ideally within a local government parks and recreation setting.
• Experience with multi-site maintenance and capital project oversight preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in turf grass maintenance, grounds maintenance, and application of pesticides.
• Familiarity with parks operations, facilities, and standard operating procedures.
• Skilled in operating and maintaining ground maintenance equipment such as tractors, mowers, and hand tools.
• Experience in landscaping and tree trimming.
• Proven leadership in public grounds or parks management.
• Strong understanding of multi-site maintenance planning and turf care best practices.
• Experience with public sector budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
• Ability to maintain courteous and effective working relationships with: County staff, Elected officials, Community interest groups, General public
• Must have strong working knowledge of computers and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of Products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

Certificates, Licenses, and Registration

• Valid Florida Driver License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) within one year of hire.
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires a combination of sitting, standing, and walking.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent balancing, and on occasion bending and squatting.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve typing, operating foot controls/levers, driving automotive equipment, and simple grasping.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

• All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Emergency response duties may also include driving and/or operating a county vehicle or equipment and employees must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.

Employee Benefits at a Glance: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Employee Health & Wellness Center, Florida Retirement System (FRS), Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance $20,000, Long Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 11 Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Leave.Please visit the Benefits tab of this posting for additional information and a link to the Employee Benefits Highlights booklet.

Basis of Rating:Some positions may require a written and/or skills test. Applications will be carefully reviewed to assess each individuals’ qualifications. Selected persons will be interviewed to determine who will be hired for the job. The kind and length of related work experience, training and education shown on the application will be an important consideration in the screening process.

Must successfully pass an employment reference check, criminal background check, physical examination, and drug screen. Drug screens will be in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act and/or the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

Citrus County, Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected trait.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.

Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law,” applications, resumes and personnel records are subject to public inspections. Details regarding the “Public Records Law”/ “The Sunshine Law” / Florida Statutes and the statutory exemptions are available on websites such as the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Florida Senate and Florida Legislature. Additionally, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Public Information section is located on our website.