Grounds Supervisor

Theuniversityunion; Storm Lake (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Buena Vista University is seeking a Grounds Supervisor to direct the operations of the grounds department. You will lead full-time and student staff across mowing, irrigation, tree/shrub care, snow removal, and equipment maintenance while ensuring safety compliance and collaboration with Facilities Management.

Candidates should have knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, related trades, and the ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work, including lifting up to 75 pounds.

Qualifications

• Two years formal training in grounds management and four years supervising staff preferred.
• Knowledge of chemical and fertilizer formulations and their use.
• Experience with underground irrigation systems beneficial.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct the work of groundskeepers, equipment operators, and other staff.
• Oversee mowing, irrigation, tree and shrub care, fertilization, and chemical treatments.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and safety regulations.
• Inspect work and take corrective actions to ensure quality.
• Requisition supplies, equipment, and parts as needed.
• Coordinate ice/snow removal and winter maintenance.
• Maintain maintenance records and collaborate with other departments.

Education

B.S. in horticulture / turf management

Class B CDL

Private-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License

Job description

• Location 610 W 4TH ST,STORM LAKE, IA, 50588-1713,United States
• Job Category Staff
• Employee Type Hourly

Buena Vista University is seeking candidates for Grounds Supervisor to direct the operational activities of the grounds department. The Grounds Supervisor is responsible for all phases of ground management including working with full-time grounds staff, student workers, and other Facilities Management staff. The role coordinates activities such as mowing, irrigation, tree and shrub care, snow and ice removal, equipment maintenance, and the use of fertilizers and chemicals, while ensuring compliance with university policies and safety regulations.The position also requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with Facilities Management staff and other departments. Candidates should possess knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, equipment, and related maintenance trades, along with the physical ability to perform demanding outdoor work in various weather conditions and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Directs the work of groundskeepers, equipment operators, and other personnel necessary to maintain the campus grounds and athletic fields. This work includes mowing; chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs; lawn renovations; lawn irrigation; pruning trees and shrubs; propagation, planting, transplanting, and removal of trees and shrubs, etc.
• Assure that the University and Facilities Management policies and applicable safety regulations are known and observed by grounds staff.
• Inspect the work of personnel assigned, and direct corrective measures to ensure satisfactory performance.
• Requisition supplies and materials and test new products; requisition new equipment and parts as needed.
• Responsible for ice and snow removal as needed.
• Maintain condition reports and actions taken during the winter months.
• Supervise campus refuse removal operations and trash pickup operations.
• Other similar and related duties and responsibilities that may be directed by the employee’s supervisor.
• Maintain grounds equipment maintenance records.
• Must be able to work with other Facilities Management supervisors and staff when jobs overlap. Work with other University departments to resolve operating problems related to work schedules, noise, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials and equipment. May occasionally be required to lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to safely work around fertilizers, pesticides, cleaning agents, and other chemicals commonly used in grounds maintenance while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to tolerate exposure to common environmental conditions associated with outdoor work, including dust, pollen, grass, insects, and varying terrain.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to exercise independent judgment to gather and interpret complex data.
• Ability to follow instructions, given either orally or in writing.
• Experience in a variety of maintenance trades and familiar with the basic terminology. This includes carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and control systems.
• Knowledge of standard ground maintenance tools and equipment, fertilizers and other chemicals used in lawn plants and tree care is required.
• Good oral communication skills and basic computer skills are necessary.
• Overtime may be required and may be limited vacation during peak activity periods.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of formal training in grounds management and four years of experience supervising a grounds maintenance staff is preferred.
• Knowledge of chemical and fertilizer formulations, and experience in their use, is required. A current Private-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License is a plus.
• Experience with public or private schools is helpful.
• A degree in horticulture (turf management, landscape architecture), or related fields is desirable.
• Valid Class B CDL or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Experience with installation and repair of underground irrigation systems.

Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer. A background check will be conducted on the final candidate.