Grounds Manager

Department: PR Business Operations
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 

 SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The GROUNDS MANAGER is a vital position responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the University of Guelph’s 4-hectare campus grounds. This role is integral to creating a welcoming and safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Grounds Manager oversees a dedicated team of groundskeepers and machinery operators, manages a substantial budget, and ensures that the campus landscape is maintained to the highest standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Management of Grounds:

• Oversee the maintenance of all soft and hard landscapes, ensuring that the campus grounds are well-manicured, attractive, and safe while providing support to specific colleges or departments as required.
• Develop and manage a snow removal program to keep essential areas clear and safe during winter months.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks on campus grounds, such as hazardous trees or erosion issues.

Team Supervision:

• Lead and manage a team of 8 machinery operators, 6 gardeners, and 1 arborist, including scheduling, task assignment.
• Effectively manage all human resources items as they arise, including performance management.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate health and safety training.
• Foster a positive work environment and motivate staff to maintain high standards in grounds maintenance.

Administrative Duties:

• Manage a $2.6M budget, including preparing and authorizing purchases and expenses.
• Schedule and plan workforce activities, including overtime, staffing levels, and student workers; monitoring daily time records and making data-based decisions for future work requirements.
• Stay updated on government regulations regarding chemicals, pesticides, and other grounds maintenance aspects.

Grounds Development & Maintenance:

• Develop and maintain a sustainable landscape for the campus, including the care of sports fields, ornamental gardens, general turf areas, and an extensive tree inventory.
• Collaborate with community horticulture projects and academic research when needed.

Waste Management:

• Oversee communication between sustainability, custodial, and contractors to dispose of various types of waste.
• Supervise a large-scale manure composting operation, coordinating with relevant departments.

Long-Range Planning:

• Plan for future landscape maintenance, development, and equipment needs.
• Participate in the Landscape Advisory Committee and contribute to procedure manual development.

Public Relations:

• Serve as a liaison with customers, salespeople, and university administration.
• Assist the community with horticultural information and promote the University’s campus through public engagement.

Requirements

• 2-year college diploma or an undergraduate degree in Horticulture.
• 4 years trades-related experience
• 2 years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of ornamental horticulture and turf management skills is required.
• Proven experience in grounds management, preferably in a large institutional or campus setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and departmental expenses.
• Knowledge of horticulture, landscape maintenance, and snow removal techniques.
• Ability to develop and implement safety procedures and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Knowledge of safe operation of on the road equipment and grounds equipment.

WHAT WOULD GIVE YOU THE EDGE?

• Pesticide License (land and structural)
• Integrated Pest Management Certificate
• ISA Certified
• Arborist
• Strong computer skills with expert level ability with databases and MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of horticulture software such as ArcGIS considered an asset.
• Excellent communication, leadership ability, and excellent analytical abilities using sound judgement and creativity in decision making.
• Human Resources Management Certification

WHY JOIN US?

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the outdoor environment of our prestigious university, contributing to the overall student experience and the community’s engagement with the campus. You’ll work with a dedicated team and have the resources to maintain and enhance one of Ontario's most beautiful campuses.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10862026 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 06    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:   09/13/2024  
Closing Date:  09/30/2024