Manager of Grounds and Event Services

Montclair State University; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ seeks a Manager of Grounds and Event Services to oversee operations for grounds, athletic fields, moving services, and event set-ups. The role emphasizes safety, policy compliance, and continuous improvement to support campus excellence.

Reporting to the Director of Grounds, Moving and Event Support Services, you will supervise staff, manage budgets, coordinate with stakeholders, and implement sustainability initiatives while delivering reliable

Qualifications

• Professional certification in Grounds Management.
• Minimum five years of hands-on Grounds operations experience, including three years of supervisory experience with fiscal and performance management responsibilities.
• A valid driver's license.
• Technical knowledge of grounds management practices, including snow and ice removal, horticultural procedures and equipment operation.
• Experience using maintenance management systems.
• Ability to work during snow events and institutionally significant activities outside of standard business hours.
• Ability to work when the campus is closed, or due to delayed opening or early closure.

Responsibilities

• Manage campus grounds maintenance, landscaping, and athletic fields, including mowing, treatments, irrigation, pruning, waste removal, and snow removal.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to plan support for moving events, programs, and activities.
• Supervise, train, schedule and evaluate supervisory and frontline staff.
• Monitor service quality and implement operational improvements for efficiency and satisfaction.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, contracts, inventories and procurement activities.
• Coordinate emergency response and weather-related operations impacting grounds and events.
• Support sustainability initiatives related to the work unit.
• Represent the University at conferences or meetings as required.

Skills

Grounds management

Leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

Snow removal

Education

Bachelor's degree

NJ Pesticide Applicator's License

Tools

Maintenance management system

Job description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Grounds, Moving and Event Support Services, the Manager of Grounds and Event Services oversees operational and administrative management of grounds and landscape maintenance, athletic fields, moving services and event set-ups. Working in collaboration with the Director, this position develops and recommends plans for program operation, assessment and improvement that support the institution's mission and enhance the level of excellence for which Montclair State University is known. The Manager of Grounds and Event Services manages daily operations related to outdoor maintenance, snow and ice removal, waste coordination, furniture and equipment moves, and event setup services; while ensuring compliance with established policies, safety regulations, and environmental standards. This position additionally recommends and implements continuous improvement initiatives, upholds customer service excellence, and supports sustainability and efficiency goals across facilities operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage campus grounds maintenance, landscaping, and athletic fields in work that includes mowing, chemical treatments, renovations, irrigation, pruning, propagation, transplanting, waste removal, and snow removal. Enforce grounds maintenance standards on a level commensurate with high-quality academic and student experiences.
• Collaborate and coordinate with campus stakeholders to plan and provide support services for moving events, programs, and activities that vary in scope and size.
• Supervise, train, schedule and evaluate supervisory and frontline staff.
• Monitor service quality, recommend and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and recommend policies and plans for the improved effectiveness of staff, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Assist with developing and managing operating budgets, contracts, inventories and procurement activities.
• Assist with coordinating emergency response and weather-related operations impacting campus grounds and events.
• Support division sustainability initiatives related to the work unit.
• Utilize the work management system to coordinate work, establish performance metrics and provide reports supporting decision-making.
• Assume responsibility for the overall operation of the Grounds, Fleet and Support Services work unit in the absence of the Director.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with applicable workplace safety guidelines and rules. Attend occupational and professional training as directed and enforce health and safety training directives with staff.
• Represent the University at conferences or meetings and serve on ad hoc and standing committees as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Professional certification in Grounds Management.
• Minimum five years of hands-on Grounds operations experience, including three years of supervisory experience with fiscal and performance management responsibilities.
• A valid driver's license.
• Technical knowledge and understanding of grounds management practices, including snow and ice removal, horticultural procedures and equipment operation.
• Experience using maintenance management systems.
• Ability to work during snow events and institutionally significant activities outside of standard business hours.
• Ability to work when the campus is closed, or due to delayed opening or early closure.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• NJ Pesticide Applicator's License (license will be required within 6 months of hire).
• Experience maintaining grounds at an institution of higher education.
• Working knowledge of APPA standards and service levels related to grounds and project management.