Skip to main content

This job has expired

Grounds Supervisor

Employer
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Maryland, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Oct 4, 2022

We are seeking a Grounds Supervisor. The Grounds Supervisor performs a variety of responsibilities as a leader of the University’s Grounds Crew and is primarily responsible for the coordination, planning, maintenance scheduling, documentation, and supervision toward the upkeep of and improvements to the academic and residential grounds areas of campus and the equipment used to maintain them, both in-house and contracted. The Grounds Supervisor works under the direction of the Manager of Grounds.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assigns and reviews work duties of the Grounds crew to ensure work is done in a safe, productive, and efficient manner.
  • Reviews and approves time sheets and vacation scheduling of Grounds personnel.
  • Conducts hiring procedures to fill Grounds vacancies in consultation with the Manager of Grounds.
  • Conducts probationary and annual performance reviews for members of the Grounds crew as necessary.
  • Conducts disciplinary protocols and documentation on Grounds personnel as required, including verbal warnings, written warnings, suspensions, last chance agreements, and terminations.
  • Provides documentation and statistics on Grounds activities as required by the Manager of Grounds or other administrators.
  • Oversees tree and shrub maintenance operations and makes recommendations for changes, improvements, equipment, and personnel.
  • Oversees floral and holiday decorative operations and coordinates with University community members when necessary.
  • Assists the Manager of Grounds in Grounds budget preparation, estimation, and management.
  • Requests proposals, reviews costs/benefits, and purchases goods or services for Grounds in consultation with the Manager of Grounds.
  • Trains the Grounds crew and various full, part-time, and volunteer groundskeepers on grounds equipment and grounds maintenance techniques.
  • Attends staff meetings and other training and safety seminars as needed or directed by the Manager of Grounds.
  • Attends professional conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge and standards in grounds care.
  • Accounts for tools and equipment issued to crew members.
  • Cooperates with other departmental personnel in completing assigned tasks.
  • Assists with the development and implementation of seasonal task lists.
  • Retains contractors and coordinates their work.
  • Assures timely completion of work order requests.
  • Collects and reviews daily work logs of the Grounds Crew.
  • Ensures any work done on campus is consistent with the Landscaping Master Plan.
  • Can teach use of all grounds and department equipment in a safe and professional manner.
  • Oversees irrigation operations, schedules, and maintenance and coordinates annual start up and shut down procedures.
  • Responsible for all grounds tasks campus wide: Planting, mowing, edging, mulching, pruning, trimming, weeding, aerating, top dressing, over-seeding, fertilizing, pest control, etc.
  • Provides for a safe campus environment by supervising and coordinating the removal of snow, ice, leaves, fallen branches, other weather related debris, and trash from all University grounds.
  • Oversees application of chemicals and fertilizers evenly and accurately as instructed on product labels as part of an integrated pest management plan.
  • Detects presence of plant insect, weed, and disease pests and prescribes pest treatment actions based on an integrated pest management approach.
  • Remains up-to-date and informed on current landscaping maintenance practices.
  • Develops plans for and coordinates snow removal campus-wide utilizing all Grounds Services personnel, volunteers from within the university community, and contracted labor and equipment.
  • Coordinates maintenance and repairs on grounds equipment.
  • Maintains an appropriate inventory of materials, chemicals and equipment.
  • Maintains MSDS information on chemicals.
  • Ensures the execution of the Manager’s directives as previously set forth, when the Manager of Grounds is absent for any reason.
  • Oversees the cleaning and maintenance of storage areas.
  • May be required to work over-time due to seasonal events, weather conditions, and operational requirements.
  • Utilize the University’s E210 and Kronos time keeping systems to accurately complete time and attendance reporting for subordinates.
Principal Contacts (Internal/External)
Internal
  • Daily contact with the Grounds crew and other departmental supervisors. Works cooperatively with Customer Service Center on all issues pertaining to the completion of departmental service requests and the delivery of grounds services to the University community.
  • Has frequent contact with students, faculty, administrators, and support staff to resolve issues and service grounds needs.

External
  • Frequent interaction with contractors retained by the Manager of Grounds or departmental Supervisors, as well as contracted employees, will communicate frequently with the grounds staff of other colleges and universities, as well as vendors and representatives of companies involved with grounds maintenance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Position is responsible supervising the work of the Grounds crew including Grounds Keepers, Horticulturist, Grounds Equipment Mechanic, casual employees, and student employees under the direction of the Manager of Grounds.
  • Also oversees volunteer participation in Grounds activities.


Minimum Qualifications
  • High School diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience in grounds, landscaping, or a related field, with at least two years of experience at a supervisory level is preferred.
  • A Bachelor of Science in agronomy, horticulture, forestry or a related field is desired.
  • Possession of a valid Driver’s License with allowances to operate a single vehicle greater than 26,000/Tow less than 10,000. Must have a favorable driving record as outlined by University policy.
  • A valid MD Restricted Use Pesticide License, Categories 3A, 3B, and 3C is required or ability to obtain within six months of employment. Other green industry or industrial certifications are desirable.

Special Knowledge Skills & Abilities

  • Grounds management with particular emphasis on tree, shrub and turf care; operational safety procedures.
  • Common plants and plant diseases by name and where to find information on those not familiar, diagnosis of plant pest problems and the ability to prescribe treatment according to an integrated pest management approach.
  • The safe use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides used regularly.
  • Hardscape maintenance and replacement techniques.
  • Rainbird irrigation systems and controllers.
  • Sustainable practices toward waste management and recycling, and leadership techniques and supervisory theories.
  • Equipment Knowledge, Heavy and light equipment such as a backhoe, tractors, dump trucks, lawn mowers, post pounders, sprayers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, seeder, top-dresser, sod cutter, power washer, and string trimmers.
  • Will also require knowledge of various hand tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, pruners, loppers, pole pruners, hoses, hammers, and other University vehicles and equipment.
  • Maintenance and minor repair skills.
  • landscaping and grounds maintenance skills, and working keyboarding and computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
  • Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks, prioritize work, plan, and propose recommendations for change.
  • Must be able to develop, update, and monitor grounds maintenance, snow removal, and preventive maintenance plans.
  • Must be able to delegate responsibilities, develop an effective work force, promote teamwork, and provide daily direction to the workforce based on policy guidelines.
  • Good oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Budget management, inventory control, and equipment management skills are required.
  • The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
  • Ability to work with a minimum of supervision, alone, or in groups.
  • Ability to oversee a crew of maintenance workers; to cooperate and work with various individuals.
  • Ability to use all typical grounds maintenance tools and mechanized equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Ability to read, to write, and to communicate interpersonally using the English language.
  • Ability to precisely follow verbal and written directions.
  • Ability to work over-time, when required, due to seasonal events, weather conditions, and operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

  • Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
  • Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
  • Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
  • Communication skills using the spoken word.
  • Ability to see within normal parameters.
  • Ability to hear within normal range.
  • Ability to move about.
  • Occasionally lifting, carrying objects weighing 80 lbs. or less.
  • Ability to work in extreme heat and cold and all types of weather conditions.
This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Classified Title: Grounds Supervisor
Working Title: Grounds Supervisor
Role/Level/Range: ATO 40/E/03/OG
Starting Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000; Commensurate with Experience
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F 8.0
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: 01-MD:Homewood Campus
Department name: 10001601-Grounds Services
Personnel area: University Administration

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

**Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.


The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

Accommodation Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.


The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.

EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Important legal information
http://hrnt.jhu.edu/legal.cfm

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert