Job Summary:
The Grounds Manager oversees the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of the university's outdoor grounds, gardens, walkways, and campus green spaces. This role supports a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects the mission, values, and standards of a private Catholic institution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage daily landscape and grounds operations across campus.
- Supervise landscape staff, student workers, and contractors as needed.
- Plan and schedule routine maintenance, seasonal plantings, pruning, irrigation, mowing, fertilization, and pest control.
- Inspect campus grounds regularly to ensure landscapes, hardscapes, and outdoor features are well maintained.
- Coordinate work in a way that supports academic calendars, campus events, liturgical celebrations, and university activities.
- Oversee the care of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, courtyards, entryways, and exterior common areas.
- Monitor equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, and ensure proper maintenance and inventory control.
- Communicate with university leadership, facilities staff, and campus departments regarding ground needs and projects.
- Help maintain safe walking surfaces, manage storm cleanup, and respond to urgent grounds issues.
- Support environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping practices.
- Assist with budgeting, vendor coordination, and project planning.
- Promote a campus environment that reflects excellence, stewardship, and care for the university community.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or a related field preferred.
- Several years of experience in landscape maintenance, grounds supervision, or campus operations.
- Knowledge of plant care, turf management, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance best practices.
- Experience leading crews and coordinating work schedules.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a higher education environment.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Valid driver's license required; certifications in pesticide application, irrigation, or related areas preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education, institutional, or large-campus settings.
- Familiarity with campus planning, outdoor event support, and seasonal grounds preparation.
- Understanding of Catholic university values and the ability to support a mission-driven environment.
- Knowledge of sustainable landscaping, water conservation, and native plant care.
- Ability to work collaboratively with facilities, maintenance, security, events, and administrative teams.
Working Conditions:
This position works primarily outdoors and may require exposure to heat, humidity, weather changes, and physical labor. The role may also include office-based work such as scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and coordination with university departments.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry materials for extended periods.
- Ability to operate landscape equipment safely.
- Ability to respond to urgent grounds issues and campus service needs.
Application Process:
To apply for the Grounds Manager position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are a perfect fit for the role.
Company Values:
At St. Thomas University, we are committed to creating a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. We value teamwork, integrity, and dedication in our pursuit of excellence. Join us to be part of a dynamic team striving for high-quality service delivery.