Grounds Manager

St Thomas University; Miami Gardens (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL, is seeking a Grounds Manager to oversee planning, maintenance, and enhancement of outdoor grounds, gardens, walkways, and campus green spaces, reflecting the university’s mission and values.

The role supervises staff and contractors, plans routine maintenance, coordinates with academic calendars and events, and promotes environmentally responsible landscaping.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; degree preferred in horticulture or related field.
• Several years of landscape maintenance and grounds supervision experience.
• Knowledge of plant care, turf, irrigation, and maintenance best practices.
• Experience leading crews and coordinating work schedules.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily landscape and grounds operations across campus.
• Supervise landscape staff, student workers, and contractors as needed.
• Plan and schedule routine maintenance, seasonal plantings, pruning, irrigation, mowing, fertilization, and pest control.
• Inspect campus grounds regularly to ensure landscapes, hardscapes, and outdoor features are well maintained.
• Coordinate work with academic calendars, campus events, liturgical celebrations, and university activities.
• Oversee care of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, courtyards, entryways, and exterior common areas.
• Monitor equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, and ensure proper maintenance and inventory control.
• Communicate with university leadership, facilities staff, and campus departments regarding ground needs and projects.
• Help maintain safe walking surfaces, manage storm cleanup, and respond to urgent grounds issues.
• Support environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping practices.
• Assist with budgeting, vendor coordination, and project planning.
• Promote a campus environment that reflects excellence, stewardship, and care for the university community.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's in horticulture / landscape management / facilities management

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33054

Position Type: Full Time

Job Summary

The Grounds Manager oversees the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of the university’s outdoor grounds, gardens, walkways, and campus green spaces. This role supports a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects the mission, values, and standards of a private Catholic institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily landscape and grounds operations across campus.


• Supervise landscape staff, student workers, and contractors as needed.


• Plan and schedule routine maintenance, seasonal plantings, pruning, irrigation, mowing, fertilization, and pest control.


• Inspect campus grounds regularly to ensure landscapes, hardscapes, and outdoor features are well maintained.


• Coordinate work in a way that supports academic calendars, campus events, liturgical celebrations, and university activities.


• Oversee the care of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, courtyards, entryways, and exterior common areas.


• Monitor equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, and ensure proper maintenance and inventory control.


• Communicate with university leadership, facilities staff, and campus departments regarding ground needs and projects.


• Help maintain safe walking surfaces, manage storm cleanup, and respond to urgent grounds issues.


• Support environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping practices.


• Assist with budgeting, vendor coordination, and project planning.


• Promote a campus environment that reflects excellence, stewardship, and care for the university community.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or a related field preferred.

• Several years of experience in landscape maintenance, grounds supervision, or campus operations.


• Knowledge of plant care, turf management, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance best practices.


• Experience leading crews and coordinating work schedules.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a higher education environment.


• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.


• Valid driver’s license required; certifications in pesticide application, irrigation, or related areas preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, institutional, or large-campus settings.


• Familiarity with campus planning, outdoor event support, and seasonal grounds preparation.


• Understanding of Catholic university values and the ability to support a mission-driven environment.


• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping, water conservation, and native plant care.


• Ability to work collaboratively with facilities, maintenance, security, events, and administrative teams.

Working Conditions

This position works primarily outdoors and may require exposure to heat, humidity, weather changes, and physical labor. The role may also include office-based work such as scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and coordination with university departments.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry materials for extended periods.


• Ability to operate landscape equipment safely.


• Ability to respond to urgent grounds issues and campus service needs.

Company Values

At St. Thomas University, we are committed to creating a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. We value teamwork, integrity, and dedication in our pursuit of excellence. Join us to be part of a dynamic team striving for high-quality service delivery.