Landcare Operations Manager

About the Job The Landcare Operations Manager provides oversight of operations programs, leading a team of supervisors, teamster grounds workers, and student laborers - approximately 70 staff total. This position coordinates logistics in a dynamic environment, including planned and spontaneous events that impact campus operations. The Operations Manager reports to the Assistant Director and oversees the teams and procedures involved in day‑to‑day campus grounds operations. Position Responsibilities Operations Program Coordination and Service Delivery - 60% Landscape & grounds maintenance, including standards development and application for various maintenance programs. Campus groundskeeping – horticultural care of lawns, shrubs, perennials, and annual flower displays; installation and maintenance of seasonal decorations and displays; regular maintenance of hard surface areas to remove debris and litter. Naturalized area management – establishment and care of approximately 60 acres of prairies, urban meadows, bio‑filtration basins, woodlands, and non‑traditional/alternative‑turf lawn areas. Tree program – oversight to achieve maintenance, safety and risk management goals and support climate adaptation goals; ongoing obligations to maintain Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education status. Irrigation – maintenance of approximately 130 networked campus irrigation systems centrally controlled through an ET‑based computer program; completion of a controller upgrade project to replace radio‑based communications with internet connectivity. Event service – collaboration with campus partners to ensure efficient waste management for approved campus events, including football tailgating, Homecoming, and Welcome Week activities. Snow removal and de‑icing – oversight of the winter maintenance program, including storm response planning and coordination to keep approximately 100 miles of streets, docks, plazas, walkways, and 100 acres of parking safe and accessible. Equipment fleet management – for approximately 650 units, from large trucks to small hand‑held power equipment; record of inventory; oversight of maintenance, repairs by vendors and in‑house mechanics; timing of acquisitions and disposals to optimize trade values. Ongoing maintenance of customer relationships, including proactive communications and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Financial and Administrative Duties – 20% Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and University policies. Coordinate record keeping and reporting related to de‑icing product storage, application, and housekeeping in compliance with campus MS4 permit obligations. Oversight of chemical inventory, application records, and Safety Data Sheets library. Compliance with programs related to spill prevention control and countermeasures, regulated tank storage, stockpiles, and depot safety inspections. Coordinate procedural, safety, and equipment training; ensure staff meet all institutional and departmental training requirements according to schedules and deadlines. Oversight of licensing/certifications for Landcare staff, including: Licensed pesticide applicator training and license management for Gardener and Senior Gardener staff. Commercial driver’s license (CDL), including random testing compliance. Power limited technician (irrigation system wiring). Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). Manage contracts & RFPs for products and services related to campus operations, such as: Services – snow, street sweeping, sodding, landscape maintenance. Materials – bulk and bagged de‑icer, sand & soil, turf supplies. Oversee discretionary purchasing and budgets for Landcare programs, including tools, safety supplies, PPE, and employee uniforms. Assist with managing lease agreements for off‑campus snow dump locations and on‑campus organics recovery yard. Human Resource Development – 15% Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of maintenance personnel, including full‑time teamster staff and part‑time student laborers, per Human Resources policies and procedures. Assist with implementing Landcare’s professional development program and staff succession planning. Oversee development and application of Landcare’s in‑house equipment and procedural training program. Other duties as assigned – 5% Other duties as assigned. Physical and Environmental Requirements Most work is performed in an office setting located in the Como Services area of the Twin Cities campus. Other work is performed in various settings on campus, including outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow. Qualifications Required (minimum) qualifications BA/BS degree in horticulture, urban forestry, or related field. Eight years of related experience, including leadership of maintenance/operations teams. Valid driver’s license. Advanced skills in MS Office Suite and Google Suite. Ability to adjust priorities daily to accommodate urgent requests or shifting timelines. Preferred qualifications Excellent communication skills using a variety of tools and techniques (written, spoken, graphical, email, phone, text, etc.). Proficiency with ArcGIS or similar Geographic Information Systems software. Attention to detail in the context of broader department goals and objectives. Excellent people skills. Experience working in a union environment. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000 (depending on education/qualifications/experience) Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff Benefits Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off. Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. University HSA contributions. Disability and employer‑paid life insurance. Employee wellbeing program. Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity. Financial counseling services. Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost. Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area. Diversity The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. #J-18808-Ljbffr