Grounds Manager

St Thomas University Inc; Norland (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Thomas University seeks a Grounds Manager to oversee planning, maintenance, and enhancement of outdoor spaces across campus. You will supervise landscape staff, student workers, and contractors, and coordinate with facilities, events, and academic calendars.

Responsibilities include scheduling seasonal plantings, pruning, irrigation, mowing, pest control, safety of walkways, storm response, budgeting support, and promoting sustainable landscaping aligned with mission.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or related field preferred.
• Several years of experience in landscape maintenance or campus operations.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license; pesticide/irrigation certifications preferred.

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 to ensure landscapes 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 spaces.
• Monitor equipment, tools, and supplies, maintaining inventory and safety protocols.
• Support budgeting, vendor coordination, and project planning.
• Promote sustainable landscaping practices and environmental stewardship.

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or a related field

Job description

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.Application Process:To apply for the Grounds Manager position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are a perfect fit for the role.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.