Grounds Supervisor

Groundskeeper Supervisor

The Physical Plant Department invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt position with benefits. Under general supervision, supervises groundskeepers performing manual labor duties in the maintenance of grounds and facilities.

Benefits: Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, paid leave (Non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year). Overtime, shift-differential and on-call pay (non-exempt positions only).

Responsibilities:

• Determines work priorities, plans, schedules, assigns and reviews work; trains subordinate personnel.
• Supervises grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing and/or pruning lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees.
• Directs the removal of trash and debris from assigned areas.
• Supervises and performs the removal of snow and ice from assigned areas using hand and power snow removal equipment. Spreads salt, sand and de-icers to prevent slipping.
• Prepares and maintains written reports and records.
• Ensures adequate supplies, materials and equipment are maintained in department.
• Ensures the operational readiness and safety of equipment such as mowers, tillers, sweepers, snow blowers, edger, shovels, and small vehicles.
• Performs routine assembly, cleaning and maintenance of equipment as needed.
• Assists in the maintenance of outdoor fields and athletic facilities; and
• Performs and demonstrates procedures for measuring, mixing, and applying fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals as instructed.
• Performs groundskeeper duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Three years in grounds keeping in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Note: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to use grounds equipment correctly (snowplows, weed trimmers, zero turn mowers, back holes, skid steers, forklifts, and excavators, etc.)
• Must be computer literate and able to complete computer work independently.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• General knowledge of grounds maintenance practices; of the methods and techniques for cultivating, planting, mowing, and caring for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees.
• General knowledge of procedures for mixing and applying pesticides and other chemicals.
• Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation and proper care of assigned hand and power tools and equipment.
• Skilled in organizing and coordinating the grounds maintenance work.
• Skilled in providing guidance and instruction to groundskeepers.
• Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise and train groundskeepers.
• Ability to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned hand and power tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform work in, on, around, under and over trees, shrubs, buildings and facilities.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet; to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Certifications:

• Must be certified by the State of Maryland as a pesticides and/or herbicides applicator within one year of hire.
• Must obtain Class B commercial driver's license within one year of hire.

Salary Range: $44,053- $57,211