Lead Grounds Supervisor, Campus Landscaping & Tree Care

The University of Redlands; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Redlands in Redlands, CA seeks a Lead Groundworker to lead a team of 12 groundskeepers across 160 acres of campus. The role blends hands-on grounds work with supervision, scheduling, and quality control.

Responsibilities include operating mowers and irrigation systems, mentoring staff, ensuring safety, coordinating events, and maintaining equipment while protecting campus landscape, trees, and irrigation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years grounds experience with supervisory roles.
• Knowledge of turf care and irrigation systems.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors.
• Driver's license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Supervise up to 12 grounds crew members.
• Train crew on turf, landscape, tree care, and equipment procedures.
• Oversee mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, and seasonal bed/flower planting.
• Care for over 2,000 campus trees, including pruning and health monitoring.
• Operate ride-on mowers, tractors, and other grounds equipment.
• Monitor irrigation systems.
• Coordinate grounds coverage and event setup, including weekends.
• Enforce safety procedures and PPE use.
• Maintain equipment in safe working order; coordinate repairs.
• Track crew hours, assign daily tasks, report progress to Grounds Manager.
• Provide input on materials, equipment, and seasonal planting budgets.
• Respond to weather emergencies — storm cleanup, irrigation freeze protection, and other urgent conditions.
• Operate university vehicles/trailers as needed to transport crew, equipment, or materials.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Groundskeeping

Irrigation systems

Power equipment operation

Vehicle operation

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The University of Redlands in Redlands, CA seeks a Lead Groundworker to lead a team of 12 groundskeepers across 160 acres of campus. The role blends hands-on grounds work with supervision, scheduling, and quality control.

Responsibilities include operating mowers and irrigation systems, mentoring staff, ensuring safety, coordinating events, and maintaining equipment while protecting campus landscape, trees, and irrigation.