Landscape Team Leader

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University seeks a Landscape Team Leader to guide and train a crew in grounds maintenance, mowing, planting, irrigation, and tree care, ensuring a neat, safe campus appearance. You will coordinate with Supervisors to schedule work and uphold quality standards while complying with licensing requirements.

Responsibilities include operating grounds equipment, supervising staff, and maintaining readiness for campus operations during closures.

Qualifications

• Considerable horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance.
• Experience using hand tools and operating related equipment.
• Experience scheduling, planning, and coordinating maintenance work.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with insurable driving record.
• Must acquire a valid Pesticide Technician License within one year of employment.
• Certified Nurseryman or Master Gardener encouraged.
• Crew Chief certification 1 and 2.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance operations, including mowing, planting, litter removal, and related upkeep activities.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment such as truck‑riding and push mowers, tractors, and small powered equipment.
• Execute horticulture practices: fertilization, pesticide application, irrigation management, and tree care.
• Maintain emergency readiness as essential personnel for campus closings.
• Coach and supervise team members, ensuring safe operation and adherence to maintenance standards.

Skills

Tree care

Shrub planting

Irrigation

Pesticide knowledge

Equipment operation

Team leadership

Tools

Hand tools

Grounds maintenance equipment

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

Landscape Team Leader

Lead a Landscape Team and train personnel in proper use of equipment, materials, applications, and procedures to maintain the University’s landscape, presenting a neat, clean, and well‑maintained appearance. Work closely with Landscaping Supervisors and Leadership to establish priorities, schedules, and quality‑control regimens.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance operations, including mowing, planting, litter removal, and related upkeep activities.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment such as truck‑riding and push mowers, tractors, and small powered equipment.
• Execute horticulture practices: fertilization, pesticide application, irrigation management, and tree care.
• Maintain emergency readiness as essential personnel for campus closings.
• Coach and supervise team members, ensuring safe operation and adherence to maintenance standards.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of maintaining and planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, including pruning, spraying, mowing, weed treatment, fertilization, and snow/salt removal.
• Working knowledge of pesticides, irrigation systems, and the operation of grounds equipment.
• Mechanical ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and basic knowledge of pest and disease identification.
• Demonstrated ability to work in extreme heat or cold and to lift/move/carry 50 pounds frequently.
• Proficient reading and writing skills; ability to work independently or collaboratively.

Special Licenses, Registration or Certification

• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• Must acquire a valid Pesticide Technician License within one year of employment.

Education or Training

N/A

Level and Type of Experience

• Considerable horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance.
• Prior experience using hand tools and operating related equipment.
• Experience scheduling, planning, and coordinating maintenance work.
• Experience operating ground equipment.
• Basic experience teaching and coaching others on work procedures.

Additional Considerations

• Certified Nurseryman, Master Gardener, and valid Pesticide Technician License.
• Crew Chief certification 1 and 2.
• On‑the‑job and/or vocational training in grounds maintenance.

Conditions of Employment

• In‑person reporting position; not eligible for telework.
• Essential personnel subject to work during university closings.
• Open until filled; recruitment may close after the required posting period.

Annual Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational, and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation, etc. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone].

Alternative Hiring Process

We encourage individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. Submit an AHP Letter (formerly Certificate of Disability) from DARS or DBVI. Service‑Connected Veterans may also apply via AHP. Contact DARS at 800‑552‑5019 or DBVI at 800‑622‑2155 for an AHP Letter.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants regarding pay inquiries. Employees with access to compensation information cannot disclose pay to those without such access, except in response to a formal complaint, investigation, or as required by law.

Criminal Background Check

The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Special Instructions

Must have a valid and insurable driver’s license. Department of Motor Vehicle checks will be conducted on a routine basis.