Grounds Supervisor

UM04 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental insurance

Tuition remission

Paid time off including holidays

Job summary

UM04 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is seeking a groundskeeper supervisor to oversee maintenance operations in the Physical Plant Department. This full-time position involves supervising groundskeepers, ensuring safety and readiness of equipment, and maintaining grounds and facilities.

The ideal candidate has at least three years of supervisory experience in groundskeeping and is skilled in operating various grounds maintenance equipment. A background in leading teams and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Three years of groundskeeping in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Ability to operate grounds equipment safely.
• Computer literate and capable of completing computer work independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversees groundskeepers and coordinates work schedules.
• Supervises maintenance activities including mowing and planting.
• Ensures readiness and safety of equipment used in groundskeeping.

Skills

Leadership in groundskeeping

Equipment operation (snowplows, mowers)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to supervise and train

Tools

Hand and power tools

Grounds equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Full‑time, non‑exempt position in the Physical Plant Department. Under general supervision, oversees groundskeepers performing manual labor duties to maintain grounds and facilities. Open until filled.

Benefits

Health: medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts. Retirement: State, optional (Fidelity or TIAA); supplemental with $600 annual state match. Insurance: state‑sponsored MetLife life and long‑term disability. Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program. Paid time off: holidays, 11 days annual leave, 15 sick days, 3 personal days. Overtime, shift differential, and on‑call pay for non‑exempt positions.

Responsibilities

• Determines work priorities, plans, schedules, assigns and reviews work; trains subordinate personnel.
• Supervises grounds maintenance activities: cultivating, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing, pruning lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees.
• Directs removal of trash and debris from assigned areas.
• Supervises and performs removal of snow and ice using hand and power equipment; spreads salt, sand, and de‑icers to prevent slipping.
• Prepares and maintains written reports and records.
• Ensures adequate supplies, materials and equipment are maintained in the department.
• Ensures operational readiness and safety of equipment such as mowers, tillers, sweepers, snow blowers, edgers, shovels, and small vehicles.
• Performs routine assembly, cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Assists in the maintenance of outdoor fields and athletic facilities.
• Performs and demonstrates procedures for measuring, mixing, and applying fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals as instructed.
• Performs groundskeeper duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Three years in groundskeeping in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Ability to use grounds equipment correctly (snowplows, weed trimmers, zero‑turn mowers, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, excavators, etc.).
• Computer literate and able to complete computer work independently.
• Medical examination may be required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• General knowledge of grounds maintenance practices and techniques for cultivating, planting, mowing, caring for lawns, gardens, shrubs and trees.
• Knowledge of procedures for mixing and applying pesticides and other chemicals.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in operating and caring for assigned hand and power tools and equipment.
• Skill in organizing and coordinating grounds maintenance work.
• Skill in providing guidance and instruction to groundskeepers.
• Ability to read, write and perform arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise and train groundskeepers.
• Ability to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned tools.
• Ability to work around and over trees, shrubs, buildings and facilities.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet; perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying and frequent heavy lifting.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must be certified by the State of Maryland as a pesticide and/or herbicide applicator within one year of hire.
• Must obtain a ClassB commercial driver’s license within one year of hire.
• A non‑commercial ClassC or equivalent driver’s license in Maryland may be required.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Documentation establishing the right to work in the United States without employer sponsorship is required.

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.