Grounds Manager

Essential Functions

Responsible for the management and monitoring of grounds operations in accordance with university policies and procedures.

Overseeing routine groundskeeping activities like mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, planting, pruning, and fertilizing.

Responsible for the cleanliness, curb appeal, and appearance of the campus, while keeping the plant material healthy and grass area green.

Oversees hiring, training, scheduling and supervising of ground staff, including assigning tasks, evaluating performance, and addressing concerns. Purchasing of supplies and materials, and grounds contractual services.

Develops and implements safety and Standard Operating Procedures, sustainable practices and pest control measures.

Ensures a safe work environment through compliance of all laws, rules and regulations.

Establishes strategic goals by gathering pertinent business and operations information, identifying and evaluating trends and options, defining objectives and evaluating outcomes. Attends continuing education/ certification classes as it pertains to remaining current within the industry.

Assists with the preparation and maintenance of budgets; monitors expenditures; participates in justification and submittal of capital improvements projects. Maintains operations records and prepares monthly reports regarding activities and costs. Directs and monitors inventory control processes to minimize shrink and waste.

Accomplishes staff results and encourages a team effort by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring and appraising job results; coaching, counseling and developing employees; and enforcing policies, procedures and productivity standards.

Maintains quality service by enforcing quality and customer service standards, identifying trends and making recommendations for improvement.

Develops, designs, and implements landscaping plans; serves as a resource person for all technical grounds related information

Determines the equipment and services required for jobs. These services may include the care of turf, ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, annuals and specialty plants and gardens.

Oversees irrigation operation including routine repair and maintenance, calibration, application and upgrades to ensure the most efficient use of a natural resource and reduce cost.

Provides professional advice on the selection, ordering, installation and management of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, annuals, specialty plants and turf.

Applies principles of landscaping, horticulture, hardscapes, greenhouse operation and irrigation systems.

Develops and implements the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for ornamental landscape.

Provides assistance with university events. Ensures that campus events set ups, take downs and clean ups before and after events meet APPA Level I standards.

Performs Quality Control Inspections routinely while developing and implementing action plans for deficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Keeps a clear record of inspections and action plans.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies/procedures.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's objectives, policies, and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Agronomy with an emphasis on ornamental landscape management or similar or related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal education requirements.

Experience:

Preferred Qualifications: Five years of experience related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have or be able to obtain Irrigator’s license for the state of Texas.

Ability to obtain pesticide license within six months from hire in the following categories: core, turf, and ornamentals.

Excellent written (report writing) and oral communication skills.

Excellent organization skills, team-oriented; bilingual a plus.

Skills in developing, administering and tracking effective grounds management training programs.

Landscape construction – installation experience (desirable).

Ability to operate typical equipment associated with grounds management.

Must be willing to travel out of region from time to time.

Ability to work extended hours or varied work schedule as deemed necessary with grounds.

Additional Information

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at [email protected].