Grounds Manager

The Grounds Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision, coordination, and administration of campus grounds operations, including landscape maintenance, turf management, snow and ice removal, equipment maintenance, fleet support, and grounds related construction activities. This position provides direct supervision to grounds personnel and student employees, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with university policies, OSHA standards, DOT requirements, and departmental procedures. The Grounds Supervisor serves as the primary point of contact for Grounds operations and collaborates closely with Facilities leadership, Athletics, Environmental Health & Safety, University Security, contractors, vendors and campus stakeholders. The position is responsible for maintaining campus aesthetics, supporting emergency preparedness and response efforts, overseeing equipment and vehicle fleets, managing operational budgets and inventories, and contributing to strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across the Physical Plant. Job Duties: Duties/Responsibilities (35%) Staff Supervision Directly supervise grounds employees and student workers assigned to campus grounds operations. Schedule, assign, and monitor daily work through the work order management system. Conduct team meetings to communicate work assignments, priorities, events, and operational updates. Coach, mentor, train, and develop staff to improve performance and technical skills. Review and approve employee time cards and audit hours, pay codes and work order accuracy. Conduct performance evaluations and participate in employee recruitment, interviewing, and hiring. Address personnel concerns and communicate disciplinary issues to Facilities leadership and Human Resources. Communicate attendance and staffing updates to the Facilities dispatch team. Perform regular inspections of assigned campus zones and provide guidance for improvements. Ensure compliance with university policies, safety regulations, and operational procedures. (25%) Grounds Operations & Customer Service Serve as the primary point of contact for grounds operations and customer service requests. Coordinate grounds maintenance activities across campus and associated properties, including Loon Lake. Partner with Athletics and campus departments to support athletic fields, events and special requests. Coordinate excavation, moving, landscaping, and grounds improvement projects. Supervise and coordinate campus-wide snow and ice removal operations. Communicate weather-related conditions and operational updates to Facilities & Campus leadership during significant weather events. Assist with work orders, mowing, event support and grounds operations as needed. Ensure campus grounds are maintained to the highest departmental standards. (15%) Equipment, Fleet and Asset Management Maintain the Grounds shop and all Grounds storage areas & sheds, in a safe, organized and efficient condition. Oversee inventories of grounds equipment, tools, supplies, and materials Implement and monitor tool tracking and accountability systems Maintain, inspect, diagnose schedule, and perform routine repairs on grounds equipment, vehicles, plows and sanders. Operate grounds equipment safely and effectively and provide operational training to staff. Assist other departments with equipment maintenance and support. (15%) Administrative, Financial, and Project Coordination Review and respond to emails, voicemails, reports and operational communications Support budget planning and monitor expenditures to ensure operations remain within budgetary guidelines. Maintain appropriate inventory levels and coordinate purchasing of supplies, equipment and materials. Participate in construction meetings, project coordination activities, and campus committees. Develop specifications and assist with procurement processes for grounds equipment and materials. Evaluate new equipment and recommend improvements to campus operations. Coordinate vendors and contractors to ensure work is completed according to established specifications and standards. Collaborate with Facilities departments regarding projects affecting campus grounds and infrastructure. (10%) Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Sustainability Lead and promote a culture of safety throughout the Grounds department. Coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure OSHA, DOT, Licensing and certification compliance Monitor employee training requirements and facilitate required safety and regulatory trainings Assist with emergency preparedness activities, including flood response planning and severe weather events. Coordinate with University administration, security and external emergency response agencies during emergencies. Secure facilities, equipment, and campus assets during flooding and other emergency situations. Assess grounds systems and infrastructure conditions and make recommendations for operational improvements and sustainability initiatives. Maintain required certifications and facilitate equipment operation training, forklift operations and related safety programs. Requirements Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: High School diploma or equivalent Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in grounds maintenance, turf management, landscaping or a related field. Three (3) years of demonstrated supervisory experience. Experience coordinating personnel, equipment, and operational activities in a facilities or grounds environment. Required Licenses & Certifications: Valid driver’s license DOT medical card Forklift operation certification or ability to obtain and maintain certification Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Thorough knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, turf management, snow and ice removal operations and landscape care. Knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and workplace safety requirements. Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot grounds equipment and vehicles. Strong leadership, supervisory, coaching and employee development skills. Ability to coordinate multiple projects and competing priorities. Experience working with computerized work order and timekeeping systems. Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, vendors, contractors and campus stakeholders. Other Requirements: Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including lifting, carrying, bending, climbing, and operating equipment. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying and adverse weather conditions. Ability to respond to emergencies, weather events, and operational needs outside normal working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required. Must be available to respond during weather emergencies, snow and ice events, flooding incidents, and other campus emergencies. Serves as essential personnel and may be required to report to work during university curtailments or emergency operations. Must maintain all licenses, certifications, and training necessary to perform assigned duties. Preferred Qualifications: New Hampshire pesticide applicator’s license Applicant Instructions: Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents) Resume/CV Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed. Plymouth State University offers high-quality baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Through research and innovative community partnerships, the University contributes to the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire and beyond. EEO Statement The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status. Compensation Pay Range: $23.01 - $38.03 The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources Location: Plymouth