Landcare Operations Manager

The Landcare Operations Manager provides oversight of operations programs, leading a team of supervisors, Teamster grounds workers, and students laborers – approximately 70 staff total. This position will coordinate logistics in a dynamic environment including planned as well as spontaneous events and situations impacting campus operations. In particular, this position is accountable to the assistant director for leadership of the following programs and activities. The Operations Manager position reports to the Assistant Director, and oversees teams and procedures involved in day to day campus grounds operations. Landcare is an operations unit within Facilities Management, responsible for campus maintenance and design. 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 campus lawns, shrub beds, perennials and annual flower displays, installation and maintenance of seasonal decorations/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 of campus tree program to achieve stated operational goals for maintenance, safety and risk management, as well as supporting climate adaptation goals; includes ongoing obligations related to maintaining Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education status Irrigation – maintenance of approximately 130 networked campus irrigation systems which are centrally controlled through an ET‑based computer program; includes completion of controller upgrades project to replace radio‑based system communications with internet connectivity Event service – collaboration with campus partners to ensure efficient waste management for approved campus events, including football tailgating, Homecoming events and Welcome Week activities Snow removal and deicing – oversight of Landcare’s winter maintenance program including storm response preparation planning, and coordination with campus stakeholders and customers to provide a safe and accessible campus for various transportation modes; this involves approximately 100 miles of streets, docks, plazas and walkways, and approximately 100 acres of parking facilities Equipment fleet management for approximately 650 units, from large trucks to small, hand‑held power equipment; maintain records of current inventory; manage balance of capital reserve fund, and oversee maintenance and repairs by vendors and in‑house mechanic staff; this involves timing acquisitions and disposal to optimize trade values and minimize maintenance and repair costs Ongoing maintenance of customer relationships, including proactive, regular communications and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) Financial and Administrative Duties – 20% Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and University policies Coordination of record keeping and reporting related to deicing product storage, application and housekeeping in compliance with campus MS4 permit obligations Oversight of chemical inventory and application record keeping, as well as Safety Data Sheets library Compliance with programs related to Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures/Regulated Tank storage, Stockpiles, and Depot safety inspections Coordination of procedural, safety & equipment training; ensure that Landcare staff meet all institutional and department training requirements according to established schedules and deadlines Oversight of licensing/certifications for Landcare staff, such as 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 multiple products and services related to campus operations, such as services – snow, street sweeping, sodding, landscape maintenance; materials – bulk and bagged deicer, sand & soil, turf supplies Oversee discretionary purchasing and budgets in support of Landcare programs including tools, safety supplies and PPE, and employee uniforms Assist with the management of lease agreements for off‑campus snow dump location(s) 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 according to Human Resources policies and procedures Assist with the implementation of 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% Any additional duties as requested 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 a variety of settings on the Twin Cities campus including, but not limited to, outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, rain and snow. Please note, this position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program. 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 the use of MS Office Suite, 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 The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer‑paid life insurance Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. 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. To learn more about diversity at the U: 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 from employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Minnesota