Landscape Operations Supervisor

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an experienced Landscape Operations Supervisor to lead campus landscape, grounds maintenance, and related operations. You will oversee a large team of landscape professionals, coordinate resources, contractors, and budgets, and support campus events, snow operations, and emergency response as needed.

The role emphasizes horticultural expertise, turf and arboriculture knowledge, and a commitment to safety, customer service, and sustainability across diverse campus

Qualifications

• Experience leading large landscape teams.
• Strong knowledge of turf, trees, shrubs, and gardens.
• Experience with IPM and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop landscape operations staff.
• Oversee campus landscape maintenance and improvements.
• Coordinate contractors, budgets, and resources.
• Support campus events, snow operations, and safety.
• Monitor quality and sustainability of assets.
• Communicate with stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Budgeting

Horticulture

Arboriculture

Turfgrass Management

Project Coordination

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.

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.

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