Manager of Grounds and Event Services

Montclair State University; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Montclair State University seeks a Manager of Grounds and Event Services to oversee grounds maintenance, athletic fields, moving services and event set-ups. Reporting to the Director of Grounds, Moving and Event Support Services, you will lead daily operations, ensure safety, and drive continuous improvement across facilities operations.

This role requires professional certification in Grounds Management, at least five years hands-on experience with three years supervisory responsibility, and a

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, revisions, irrigation, pruning, waste removal and snow removal.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to plan and provide support services for moving events and activities.
• Supervise, train, schedule and evaluate supervisory and frontline staff.
• Monitor service quality and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and satisfaction.
• Develop and recommend policies for staff, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Assist with operating budgets, contracts, inventories and procurement activities.
• Coordinate emergency response and weather-related operations affecting grounds and events.
• Support sustainability initiatives within the work unit.
• Use the work management system to coordinate work, establish performance metrics and provide reports.
• Assume responsibility for the Grounds, Fleet and Support Services unit in the absence of the Director.

Skills

Grounds management

Supervisory experience

Driver's license

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's degree

NJ Pesticide Applicator’s License

Tools

Maintenance management systems

Job description

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.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instruction.

Salary Range

$95,000.00-$105,000.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department

Moving Services

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources’ Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email [e-mail].

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/