Lead, Grounds and Waste

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Medical School is seeking a Grounds Lead to supervise and participate in the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of campus grounds. The role operates 6am-2:30pm and requires coordinating shifts, safety compliance, and records management.

Ideal candidates have strong supervisory experience, a CDL Class B and Hoisting License, and 5 years of related work in facilities or operations management. Travel to off-site locations may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience.
• Valid CDL Class B and Hoisting License.
• Knowledge of maintenance equipment and safety procedures.
• Experience in supervisory or leadership role.
• Ability to travel and work varied shifts.

Responsibilities

• Supervise crews engaged in upkeep, maintenance, and repair of grounds.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and campus policies.
• Oversee multiple shifts to ensure coverage across grounds and waste management.
• Coordinate with facilities management and custodial staff.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide hands-on support.
• Maintain records of work, materials, and equipment usage.
• Manage seasonal tasks like leaf removal and snow/ice management.
• Inspect and maintain storm drains and irrigation systems.
• Coordinate with outside vendors for waste management.
• Ensure hazardous waste is stored properly.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Facilities management

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL Class B License

Hoisting License

Tools

Maintenance equipment knowledge

Job description

Overview

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the direct supervision of the Manager or designated representative, the Grounds Lead supervises and actively participates in the activities of staff responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of the grounds. The Grounds Lead also maintains accurate records of work progress, materials utilized, and equipment used.

The hours for this position are 6am-2:30pm

Responsibilities

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and participate in the work of employees engaged in the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of grounds.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and campus policies regarding stormwater, waste disposal, and grounds maintenance.
• Oversee and manage first, second, and weekend shifts to ensure consistent operations and coverage across all grounds and waste management activities.
• Collaborate with facilities management, custodial staff, and other departments to address overlapping needs.
• Assign tasks and projects, monitor progress, and provide hands on support when needed.
• Supervise and assist with repairs to concrete and asphalt surfaces, including patching potholes, resurfacing walkways, and painting roadways and parking areas.
• Observe progress of work to evaluate workmanship to ensure compliance with established work standards.
• Determine employee training needs and provide or arrange training. Motivate subordinates to work effectively.
• Review work orders, sketches and diagrams to determine material, equipment, and staffing to complete the work.
• Determine the need for maintenance or repair of equipment and provide appropriate information to superiors.
• Maintain records on such matters as work progress, work completed, materials and equipment usage, inventories, and employee attendance, waste management schedules and irrigation system maintenance.
• Manage seasonal tasks such as leaf removal, snow and ice management and storm damage cleanup.
• Supervise and participate in the maintenance of lawn mowing, hedge trimming, road maintenance, sidewalk and driveway sweeping, gardens, trees and other landscaped areas on campus.
• Ensure regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of all campus storm drains to prevent blockages and flooding
• Coordinate the removal of debris, sediment, and vegetation from drainage systems as well as managing records.
• Oversee campus wide waste management system. Liaise with external waste management vendors ensuring timely service and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Work closely with hospital departments to streamline waste collection and disposal processes specific to medical materials. Ensure hazardous waste is stored in designated areas with appropriate containment and labeling.
• Ensure regular cleanouts of animal waste and debris around dumpsters and trash collection areas, particularly at all loading docks across the campus grounds. Establish cleaning schedules to maintain sanitary conditions and reduce pest risks in high traffic waste areas.
• Manage and monitor campus-wide irrigation systems to ensure efficient operation and proper water usage.
• Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of sprinklers, timers, and pumps to prevent malfunctions and address issues promptly.
• Use trailers to transport heavy equipment, such as mowers, tractors, and other large machinery, to and from maintenance facilities or service locations. Safely load, secure, and unload equipment, ensuring proper handling during transport to prevent damage.
• While in the performance of routine duties; may be required, as needed to perform all work associated with all maintenance trades of an equal or lower graded classification, where the work or task does not require a specific license.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent experience
• 5 years of related experience
• Valid CDL Class B and Hoisting License
• Comprehensive knowledge of the types and applications of equipment and materials, as well as the safety practices and procedures utilized in building maintenance and repair work.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role, particularly in facilities or operations management.
• Ability to travel to off-site locations and work varied shifts and/or irregular hours.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Pesticide license or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Valid Class A CDL

Environmental Working Conditions

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May perform work in all Medical Center facilities and is subject to possible exposure to herbicides, pesticides, chemicals, gases, oils, exhaust fumes, loud noises, and similar hazards associated with machines and vehicles.
• Must have dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to lift to 50 lbs. to perform physically arduous tasks in all weather conditions.

Additional Information

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMMS recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.