Job Title:

Groundskeeping Supervisor

Physical Location:

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 $19.09 per hour 

Basic Function:

Plans and supervises the grounds maintenance functions and staff of a designated area of campus. Reports to Operations Manager, Grounds.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

     

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

 Supervises Groundskeepers, Laborers, Equipment Operator I's and II's, and other classified, temporary, or student employees engaged in groundskeeping and subspecialty activities; has authority and responsibility to exercise independent judgment in:

- Planning and directing the work activities of employees; assigning and monitoring work duties and responsibilities; establishing and modifying work methods, schedules, and priorities.

- Interviewing job applicants and conducting performance evaluations of classified employees.

- Recommending formal personnel actions (e.g., hiring, termination, promotion, discipline, layoff/recall) for assigned employees and initiating appropriate action to implement recommendations.

- Communicating and enforcing policies and procedures; resolving problems; addressing employee concerns and complaints and adjusting grievances.

- Monitoring and maintaining records of employees' work hours, overtime/compensatory time, sick leave, vacation, performance, and related information; authorizing time worked and recommending the approval/disapproval of leave requests.

- Ensuring appropriate training of staff; identifying training needs; developing and implementing training activities.

Plans the daily groundskeeping and subspecialty activities within assigned area of campus.

Inspects completed work.

Directs the propagation and cultivation of turf, trees, shrubs and flowers; may supervise the application of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers and the maintenance of all outdoor athletic facilities; supervises snow and ice removal.

Supervises the excavation of steam lines, streets and sidewalks by equipment operators.

Maintains activity log and record of related costs; prepares reports.

Maintains inventory records; requisitions supplies and equipment.

May work with subspecialty areas including waste management, athletic fields, equipment operations, horticulture, etc.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent plus formal course work in horticulture and/or agronomy and turf management. A minimum of two years of groundskeeping experience to include one year of supervisory experience.

License/Certification:

Valid Ohio driver's license with safe driving record, if driving required by position. Must possess valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with proper endorsements and safe driving record, or obtain as soon as possible with extension up to 9 months from date of hire, if position requires operation of vehicles regulated by Section 4506.01 of Ohio Revised Code. Pesticide applicator's license or be able to successfully complete requirements for license during employee probationary period.  Individuals will be subject to controlled substance/alcohol testing in positions where such is required by federal regulations.

Knowledge Of:

Inventory control
Sports turf maintenance, if required by position

Skill In:

Interpersonal communication to effectively interact with University personnel and public in person and over the telephone (e.g., to transmit work directives, to explain policies and procedures)
Written communication (e.g., to compose correspondence, reports, etc.)
Grounds maintenance (e.g., applying sprays, planting, pruning, trimming, transplanting, etc.) and safety procedures
Operation of heavy motorized equipment, (e.g., mower, tractor, chain saw, bulldozer, backhoe, grader, etc.)
Use of hand and power tools

Ability To:

Supervise, interview, evaluate, discipline, and train employees
Plan and direct work activities, to manage time effectively, and set priorities
Resolve problems independently and make decisions
Read and comprehend a variety of written materials
Diagnose problems with lawns, flowers, shrubs, etc., and determine appropriate action (e.g., identify treatment for diseased trees, etc.)
Evaluate new horticulture, agronomy, and turf management developments and determine their feasibility
Maintain accurate records
Demonstrate physical dexterity and lift 100 pounds
Perform basic mathematics (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to calculate percentages)

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

 

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Works primarily outdoors; exposed to variable weather conditions, dirt, chemicals, loud equipment noise, potentially dangerous equipment (e.g., mower, tractor); requires light physical effort (e.g., bending, stooping, walking, lifting) to demonstrate equipment use and to check work sites and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds (e.g., manhole cover, jackhammer); may work varied hours and shifts to include early mornings and evenings; requires on-campus travel.

Working Schedule:

 Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; however, schedule may vary to meet departmental needs.

Additional Information:

 

Must pass a security check.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco is not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free<http://www.kent.edu/smoke-free>.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.