Lead Groundskeeper, Grounds Services

Cameron University; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Lead Groundskeeper to oversee the maintenance of campus landscapes. This dynamic role involves supervising and training a team of groundskeepers, ensuring the upkeep of lawns, trees, and gardens, while also coordinating event setups and maintaining safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in groundskeeping, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Join a vibrant community that values education and diversity, and contribute to enhancing the campus environment for students and staff alike.

Benefits

Paid Medical Coverage

Employee Tuition Waiver Programs

Ample Time Off Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of grounds keeping experience required.
• Ability to operate and maintain grounds keeping equipment.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and trains the grounds crew for campus landscape maintenance.
• Coordinates daily operations and event setups for the Grounds Department.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Supervision

Irrigation Systems

Equipment Maintenance

Knowledge of Fertilizers and Pesticides

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Manual Mowers

Riding Mowers

Power Edgers

Trimmers

Shears

Job description

SUMMARY:

This position works directly with the Assistant Director to develop a daily work schedule and coordinate the related activities of the Grounds Department. Training, supervising and reviewing the groundskeepers along with assisting in the supervision and reviewing of special projects and daily maintenance activities of the Grounds Department.

SUPERVISION:

The Lead Groundskeeper reports directly to the Assistant Director.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Supervises and trains the grounds crew in the performance of tasks associated with the maintenance and upkeep of the campus landscape including trees, shrubs, lawns, plants, flower beds, streets and sidewalks.
• Assists in the planning and scheduling of all daily operations including assigning groundskeepers daily tasks.
• Advises the Assistant Director of employees’ performance and recommends dismissal, transfer or promotion. This includes participating in annual performance reviews.
• Supervises and coordinates the grounds department portion of event setups, including coordinating with other departments to complete set ups in a timely and efficient manner.
• Perform and train all groundskeepers on routine maintenance of grounds equipment. Ensure that proper records of such maintenance are being maintained.
• Ensures that all campus grounds, parking lots and roadways are free from trash and debris.
• Direct and participate in ensuring that all trash bins, terraces, sidewalks, benches and outdoor handrails are kept clean to maintain sanitary campus conditions.
• Collects and checks time and material records for accuracy and assists in proper record keeping of daily operations and special projects.
• Ensure compliance with established safety standards and grounds keeping practices. Assists in identifying campus safety issues and reporting of these issues to the proper staff.
• Maintain inventory of all grounds department tools, supplies, materials and equipment.
• Assist in identifying and repairing any irrigation issues including scheduling with staff and/or contractors to resolve such issues in a timely manner.
• Assist in the monitoring and scheduling of irrigation systems as relevant to campus events, work schedules and weather conditions.
• Coordinate with any departments and contractors on indoor and outdoor pest problems to ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner.
• Responsible for keeping the grounds shop area clean and organized including inside the shop, outside storage, back lot and the grounds warehouse area.
• Assists in the coordination and performance of removal of snow, ice and debris from sidewalks, steps, streets, building entrances and other public passage ways during any weather related events.
• Assists in the management of the grounds department portion of the TMA work order system to ensure work orders are being assigned and completed on a timely basis and that accurate records are being maintained.
• Participate when necessary in all grounds department duties.
• Responsible for all grounds department operations.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to understand and implement verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to operate and maintain manual mowers, riding and tractor mowers, power edger's trimmers and shears and other grounds keeping equipment.
• General working knowledge of irrigation systems and repairs.
• Working knowledge of fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and planting requirements.
• Able to work extended hours to assist in special events.
• Minimum of 2 years of grounds keeping experience.
• Possess a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years proven experience of supervising 10 or more people.
• 5 years’ experience in the lawn care or turf grass industry.

SALARY:
$30,000.00

BENEFITS:

Cameron University offers a wide variety of comprehensive programs to benefit our employees. We are proud to offer such benefits as paid medical coverage for our employees, ample time off opportunities and employee tuition waiver programs. To view all benefits available to employees, visit: https://www.cameron.edu/hr/staff-benefits-summary.

INSTITUTION:

Cameron University (www.cameron.edu) is a state-supported regional institution located in Lawton, Oklahoma, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dedicated to excellence, the university provides a widerange of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the betterment of all citizens. Master’s-level graduate degrees are offered in business, behavioral sciences and education; baccalaureate programs are offered in more than forty disciplines, and associate degrees are offered in many other studies. The close proximity of Fort Sill contributes to an area rich in cultural diversity and provides the opportunity for many cooperative efforts. The combined community of Lawton/Fort Sill has a population of more than 100,000 and is located adjacent to the picturesque Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the University’s Annual Security Report, listing crime statistics and university policies, is available by contacting the Office of Public Safety or by accessing the report online at www.cameron.edu/ops.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Attachments should include a cover letter indicating experience applicable to the position, resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this point), name, addresses, and telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses of three professional references.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift objects under 60 pounds including using the upper body to raise objects from a lower position to a higher position; ability to reach including extending the arm and hand; ability to stand for short or extended periods of time; ability to engage in repetitive motions including finger dexterity; ability to speak, hear and see. Ability to crouch, climb and walk stairs.

DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

EEO/AA Employer/Vet s/Disability