JOB SUMMARY:

Direct the operational and personnel activities of the grounds unit. Under the supervision of the Director of Maintenance and Operations or designee, responsible for all phases of grounds management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the work of groundskeepers, equipment operators, and other personnel necessary to maintain the campus grounds and athletic fields. This work includes: mowing; chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs; lawn renovations; lawn irrigation; pruning trees and shrubs; propagation, transplanting, and removal of trees and shrubs; etc.
• Assure that the policies of the university, Financial Operations and Maintenance and Operations, as well as all safety regulations, are known and observed by grounds staff.
• Use tools ranging from common hand and power tools, to operating trenches, post hole diggers, backhoe, jackhammers and other equipment
• Inspect work of personnel assigned, and direct corrective measures to insure satisfactory performance.
• Employ persons to fill vacancies as they occur.
• Requisition supplies and materials, and test new products; requisition new equipment, materials, supplies and parts as needed.
• Design, and supervise installation of, lawn irrigation systems.
• Plan and implement with approval ground projects in a proactive and budget conscious manner.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of grounds maintenance and construction.
• Skill in planning and managing a grounds maintenance/construction operation.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• Basic mechanical, electrical and plumbing principles
• Communications skills, both written and oral, are required. Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred.

SUPERVISION GIVEN AND RECEIVED:

Under direct supervision of the Director of Maintenance and Operations, supervise staff and activities as outlined above.

EDUCATION:

Work requires an educational background normally equivalent to high school with course work in skilled crafts or trades training.

EXPERIENCE:

Five or more years’ experience in irrigation, lawn care and landscaping. Knowledge of plants, landscape design, irrigation, and erosion control. 3 or more years of supervision of landscaping and grounds activities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of chemical and fertilizer formulations, and experience in their use, is required. Current private applicators license, or the ability to obtain said license, strongly preferred.

Knowledge of backflow preventer operation and certifications, along with a current backflow inspection license, or ability to obtain said license, strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Should be able to walk, bend and climb. Requires average physical strength for lifting.

Must be in good general health, able to withstand inclement weather. Must not show allergic reactions to chemical substances and the more common environmental factors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to have sufficient stamina to perform heavy physical labor in adverse weather conditions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Houston Baptist University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process, you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application you understand and accept this process.