Grounds Operations Manager (13498)

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Summary/Objective

The Grounds Operations Manager plans, implements, organizes, and monitors all aspects of Grounds and Hardscape. Requires self-direction with limited supervision. Provides oversight for all grounds maintenance, sports turf maintenance, snow and ice removal, and grounds related contractors/contracts: tree, mowing, landscape, storm water, hardscape, etc. The Grounds Operations Manager supports university sustainability programs to achieve AU’s zero waste commitments. The incumbent provides horticultural expertise in support of AU’s arboretum and gardens initiative

Essential Functions

1. Grounds Operations Management and Program Improvement: Lead the grounds team by communicating, documenting, and monitoring all tasks related to management of the campus grounds and supervision of the ground’s maintenance team. Work with the zone supervisors to plan, organize, and schedule daily/weekly/monthly tasks. Responsibilities include repair and maintenance of turf areas, sports fields and athletic facilities, tree care, ornamental plant beds, site furnishings, exterior hardscapes, snow removal, irrigation, and support of campus events. Documents and enforces sustainability practices according to LEED and SITES guidelines.
2. Staff and Contract Management: Manage (4) Grounds Supervisors temporary contracted labor, contracts and contractors related to: grounds, sports turf, irrigation, and hardscape maintenance and operations. Manages contract work which currently includes tree work, mowing, green roofs, and grounds maintenance support. Hire, onboard, train and provide coaching and feedback to staff. Manage and evaluate performance; coordinate training and track continuing education credits, required licenses and accreditations of ground staff. Encourage other professional development as appropriate.
3. Arboretum Education, Promotion and Representation: The incumbent will work closely with the Arboretum Manager to promote and support the activities of the campus Arboretum and Gardens. This includes providing guided tours to a variety of groups, developing and supporting promotional and educational programs with faculty and students in various departments on campus and within the greater community, assisting and supporting the Learning by Leading program, working with the Development office to support and facilitate donor gifts, and promoting, supporting and managing student interns and volunteer positions within the Arboretum and Grounds Management operations.
4. Facilities Management Promotion and Professional Development: Represent the University and Facilities Management by participating in professional organizations, attending conferences and related events. Attend professional development opportunities to stay current with latest technologies and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Incumbent may be asked to serve on various Grounds and University Committees.
• Directly supervises (4) Grounds Supervisors, temporary contracted labor, and contractors. Coordinates grounds maintenance, sports turf maintenance, and landscape installation contracts (Landscape services, tree services, snow removal contractors, irrigation contractors, mowing, and general contractors).
• Coordinates the scheduling of heavy equipment use, leaf removal operations, site amenity repairs, seasonal flower rotation, mulching operations, plant material and irrigation installation.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-Time.
• Project Leader/ Advisor B.
• Exempt.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience.
• Education, training, and supervisory experience in landscape/horticulture/sports turf maintenance expected.
• Valid driver’s license, skill in the operation of heavy trucks and grounds equipment.
• Knowledge of operation of grounds equipment, horticulture maintenance practices and standards, irrigation systems, measuring and calculations as related to grounds care.
• Knowledge of most botanical and common plant names and where to find information on those which he/she is not familiar.
• Knowledge of work methods, equipment, and procedures to assure health and safety standards and precautions follow District, EPA, and OSHA regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of proper pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. and capacity to work in seasonal weather conditions.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Ability to obtain D.C. pest control certification (3A, B, 7A, C, E) within 6 months of employment.
• Professional grounds maintenance certification (American Landscape Contractors Association) and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification within 18 months of employment.
• Must be eligible for university driving privileges.
• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive .

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC