Assistant Grounds Manager

Assistant Grounds Manager

The Assistant Grounds Manager serves as the operational second-in-command of SC Swiderski's Grounds Department and is responsible for assisting the Grounds Manager in the leadership, coordination, and execution of groundskeeping operations across the Company's residential and commercial properties.

This position combines hands-on field leadership with operational management responsibilities to ensure SCS properties consistently provide safe, attractive, and professionally maintained outdoor environments. The Grounds Assistant Manager directly supervises Groundskeeping personnel, coordinates multi-site scheduling, oversees quality standards, promotes safe work practices, and supports the continued development of departmental personnel, processes, and operational excellence.

Working closely with Property Management, Maintenance, Construction, Development, Safety, and other departments, this role helps ensure SC Swiderski delivers exceptional curb appeal while supporting the Company's commitment to Astonishing Customer Service, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship of SC Swiderski's assets.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Grounds Operations: (30%)

• Coordinate and oversee daily grounds maintenance activities throughout the Company's portfolio.
• Assist crews with mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, mulching, planting, weed control, tree care, irrigation repairs, seasonal cleanups, and landscape improvements.
• Coordinate spring startup, summer maintenance, fall cleanup, and winter snow and ice management operations.
• Conduct regular property inspections to ensure landscaping quality and curb appeal standards are maintained.
• Monitor work quality and provide coaching and corrective guidance when necessary.
• Coordinate emergency groundskeeping responses following severe weather events.
• Ensure Company landscaping standards are consistently maintained throughout all properties.

Department Leadership: (25%)

• Assist the Grounds Manager in directing the daily operations of the Grounds Department.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, schedule, and develop Groundskeeping personnel across multiple properties.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance evaluations, corrective action, and employee development.
• Establish daily work assignments and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to Company quality standards.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and positive morale throughout the department.
• Serve as acting Grounds Manager during periods of absence or as delegated.
• Foster a culture focused on employee engagement, continuous improvement, safety, and customer service.

Safety, Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance: (15%)

• Champion a proactive safety culture throughout the Grounds Department.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and toolbox talks.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, Company Safety Policies, and environmental regulations.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment, trailers, vehicles, and work sites.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other regulated materials.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and equipment damage while recommending corrective actions.
• Ensure employees utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Equipment, Fleet & Inventory Management: (10%)

• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs of groundskeeping equipment.
• Monitor equipment utilization and recommend equipment replacement or upgrades.
• Assist with purchasing equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain inventory of landscaping materials and consumables.
• Ensure Company vehicles, trailers, and equipment remain organized, clean, and operational.

Operational Planning & Administration: (10%)

• Assist the Grounds Manager in preparing departmental budgets.
• Monitor labor utilization and operational productivity.
• Coordinate work schedules across multiple crews and properties.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation and reports.
• Assist with developing departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support departmental KPI tracking and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in strategic planning for future department growth and operational scalability.

Cross-Department Collaboration: (10%)

• Collaborate closely with Property Management, Maintenance, Construction, Development, and Safety teams.
• Coordinate groundskeeping priorities with Property Managers to maximize resident satisfaction.
• Assist with vendor management, contract administration, and project coordination.
• Build positive working relationships with residents, vendors, contractors, and fellow employees.
• Deliver exceptional internal and external customer service that reflects SC Swiderski's values.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Experience & Education:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in landscape management, horticulture, turf management, business management, construction management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive commercial landscaping, groundskeeping, horticulture, or related experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience leading field personnel.
• OSHA 30 Certification or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Experience operating commercial landscaping equipment, irrigation systems, and snow removal equipment.
• Experience coordinating work across multiple locations and managing competing priorities.
• Preferred
• Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Irrigation installation, troubleshooting, and controller programming experience.
• Experience within multifamily residential property management.
• Budgeting, purchasing, and vendor management experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of commercial landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticultural practices.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, turf management, plant health, and seasonal landscape maintenance.
• Knowledge of snow and ice management practices and equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, scheduling, and time management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to resolve issues professionally.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computerized work order systems.
• Ability to analyze operational data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.

Work Schedule:

The work schedule for the Assistant Grounds Manager requires regular in-state travel with the ability to work 45 - 50 hours per week traditionally Monday – Friday, with occasional hours outside of that range as business necessitates. This position may require some weekend work for beginning/end of month turnovers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, twist, crouch, crawl, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to safely operate commercial landscaping equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to climb ladders and navigate uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors throughout all Wisconsin seasons.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Regular in-state travel between SC Swiderski properties.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to respond to weather-related emergencies, including snow and ice events.
• Ability to work flexible hours during peak seasonal operations.

Work Environment:

The majority of an Assistant Grounds Manager's work is performed in both professional office and outdoor environments. This position routinely works in varying weather conditions and at multiple residential and commercial property locations throughout Wisconsin. Frequent interaction with employees, residents, vendors, contractors, and SCS leadership is expected.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits:

A competitive pay package, and an excellent benefits package: health, dental, life, disability, 401(k), and paid time off (holidays & vacation) await this highly motivated individual.

S.C. Swiderski (