Grounds Manager

Lincoln University; Jefferson City (MO); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln University seeks a Grounds Manager in Jefferson City, MO to lead campus grounds and landscape maintenance. You will supervise staff, contractors, and seasonal workers while ensuring safe, attractive outdoor environments across lawns, fields, and irrigation systems.

The role requires coordinating budgets, creating maintenance plans, and ensuring regulatory compliance for pesticides and equipment operation. candidate should be able to respond to weather-related events.

Qualifications

• Minimum Associate's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and participate in maintenance of campus grounds, turf, trees, shrubs, and beds.
• Develop annual grounds maintenance, mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and landscape improvement plans.
• Supervise grounds personnel, assign work orders, train staff, and evaluate performance.
• Coordinate contracted grounds, landscaping, snow removal, tree service, and pest control vendors.
• Maintain turf management programs including fertilization, aeration, overseeding, and weed control.
• Maintain pesticide/herbicide licenses and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Respond to weather-related emergencies and assist with snow/ice removal.

Skills

Turfgrass management

Horticulture

Irrigation systems

Leadership

Budgeting

Contract management

Pesticide license

MS Office

Education

Associate's degree in Turf Management or related field

Bachelor's degree in Turf Management or related field

Tools

Computers

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Grounds Manager

Permanent FT Exempt Jefferson City, MO, US

20 days ago Requisition ID: 1124

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

Job Summary

The Grounds Manager is responsible for the leadership, planning, coordination, and daily operation of all campus grounds and landscape maintenance activities. This position oversees the appearance, safety, and functionality of the university's outdoor environments, including lawns, athletic fields, landscaped areas, irrigation systems, parking lots, sidewalks, exterior waste management, and pest control programs. The Grounds Manager serves as a working supervisor who actively participates in field operations while directing staff, contractors, and seasonal personnel.

Essential Job Function, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, supervise, and participate in the maintenance of campus grounds, landscaping, turf, trees, shrubs, and flower beds
• Develop and implement annual grounds maintenance, mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and landscape improvement plans.
• Create and manage mowing schedules and seasonal grounds maintenance programs.
• Supervise grounds personnel, assign work orders, conduct training, and evaluate employee performance.
• Manage and coordinate contracted grounds, landscaping, snow removal, tree service, and pest control vendors.
• Develop and administer turf management programs, including fertilization, aeration, overseeding, weed control, and disease prevention.
• Maintain required pesticide and herbicide applicator licenses and ensure all applications comply with applicable regulations.
• Perform and oversee pesticide, herbicide, and integrated pest management activities.
• Manage exterior trash collection and campus cleanliness programs.
• Inspect campus grounds and identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with budgeting, equipment replacement planning, and procurement of grounds-related supplies and services.
• Maintain irrigation systems and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Respond to weather-related emergencies and assist with snow and ice removal operations.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, sprayers, skid steers, and related equipment.
• Maintain records related to pesticide applications, equipment maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Support campus events through grounds preparation, setup, and cleanup activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of turfgrass management, horticulture, landscaping practices, and grounds maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, and integrated pest management programs.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage systems, and landscape construction.
• Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate employees.
• Ability to develop maintenance schedules and prioritize work activities.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and safe equipment operation.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and contractors simultaneously.
• Proficiency with computers, work order systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to prepare reports, budgets, and maintenance plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• Certified Grounds Manager, Certified Sports Field Manager, or similar professional certification.
• Experience managing grounds operations for a university, municipality, school district, park system, golf course, or large commercial campus.
• Experience with irrigation system design and maintenance.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Experience preparing and managing departmental budgets.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds regularly and greater weights with assistance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow.
• Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and emergency response situations as required.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and perform inspections throughout campus facilities and grounds.

Lincoln University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at 573-681-5018.