Landscape Operations Supervisor

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an experienced Landscape Operations Supervisor to lead campus landscape and grounds maintenance, oversee budgets, and coordinate contracts. The role supports major campus events, snow operations, and emergency response while advancing sustainability and safety.

You will manage a large team across shifts, mentor staff, and foster a culture of service and accountability. Expertise in turf, horticulture, and arboriculture is essential, with strong project management

Qualifications

• Experience leading large landscape teams and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of turfgrass, horticulture, and arboriculture best practices.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop landscape operations staff; oversee shifts and resources.
• Plan, estimate, coordinate, and manage landscape maintenance and construction projects.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure adherence to specifications.
• Coordinate snow and emergency response operations on campus.
• Develop scopes, schedules, and cost estimates for projects.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Communication

Safety compliance

Customer service

Contractor management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Position Specifics

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Landscape Operations Supervisor to lead campus landscape and grounds maintenance operations while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, safety, and exceptional customer service. This position provides leadership for a large team of landscape professionals responsible for maintaining and enhancing the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of campus grounds, hardscapes, trees, turf, gardens, and outdoor spaces. The Landscape Operations Supervisor oversees daily operations, manages personnel and resources, coordinates contractors and vendors, administers budgets, and ensures campus landscape assets are maintained to the highest standards. This role serves as a technical expert in landscape operations, horticulture, arboriculture, turfgrass management, and grounds maintenance while supporting major campus events, construction activities, snow operations, and emergency response efforts.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, train, and develop landscape operations staff with a strong emphasis on employee engagement, professional growth, and team morale. Supervise and coordinate the work of a large landscape workforce across multiple shifts and operational areas. Prioritize, schedule, assign, and monitor work crews, equipment, and resources to ensure efficient completion of work. Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and feedback, and support employee development initiatives. Participate in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning efforts. Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Landscape Operations & Campus Stewardship

Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of campus landscapes, including turf, trees, shrubs, flower displays, hardscape features, signs, fences, and other outdoor assets. Monitor overall campus grounds conditions and implement strategies to continuously improve appearance, functionality, and sustainability. Plan and coordinate landscape installation, renovation, restoration, and beautification projects. Direct snow and ice removal operations to ensure safe access across campus walkways, entrances, ramps, and designated parking areas. Provide technical expertise in turf management, horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy, and landscape best practices.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, facility representatives, project teams, and external customers. Respond proactively to customer requests, concerns, and service needs while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Participate in meetings with stakeholders and communicate project status, service plans, and operational priorities. Promote landscape services and identify opportunities to support additional campus and organizational needs.

Project & Contractor Management

Plan, estimate, coordinate, and oversee landscape maintenance and construction projects. Develop scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans. Monitor work performed by contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure compliance with specifications and design standards. Collaborate with engineers, architects, planners, and project managers to protect and enhance landscape assets during construction activities. Conduct site inspections and provide recommendations regarding landscape design, installation, and maintenance practices.

Budget & Resource Management

Administer operational budgets and monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. Review labor, material, and equipment costs and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies. Manage inventory, procurement, and utilization of equipment, supplies, and materials. Coordinate maintenance and repair programs for landscape vehicles and equipment. Prepare estimates and quotations for landscape services and contract work.

Environmental Stewardship & Regulatory Compliance

Lead and continuously improve the campus Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Evaluate pest management strategies and oversee compliant pesticide application practices. Maintain required certifications and ensure regulatory compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Support sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible landscape management practices.

Safety & Emergency Response

Ensure safe working conditions for employees, students, visitors, contractors, and the campus community. Conduct safety training, inspections, and incident investigations. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk. Participate in emergency planning, severe weather response, and other critical campus operations. Provide leadership during snow, ice, and other emergency response activities.

Required Qualifications

Experience supervising landscape, grounds, facilities, public works, or related operations. Demonstrated experience leading teams and building positive workplace culture. Knowledge of landscape maintenance, horticulture, arboriculture, turfgrass management, and grounds operations. Experience managing budgets, equipment, inventory, and operational resources. Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize multiple projects and lead operations in a dynamic environment. Valid driver's license and ability to obtain required operational certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing large-scale grounds or campus landscape operations. Pennsylvania Public Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain. Experience working in a unionized environment. Knowledge of landscape construction, irrigation systems, hardscape maintenance, and snow removal operations. Degree or specialized training in horticulture, landscape management, agronomy, arboriculture, or a related field.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Landscape Operations Supervisor - Senior Supervisor, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None. If filled as Landscape Operations Supervisor - Supervisor, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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