Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager

California State University System • San Jose, CA

32d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape & Recycling, the Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the South Main Campus Grounds Services team within Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O). The incumbent develops, implements, and manages comprehensive grounds, landscape, irrigation, and recycling service plans focused on supporting a Division I Athletics environment through sustainable and organic practices. This position is responsible for managing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing contractor performance, maintaining quality standards, and developing strategies for efficient use of labor and resources. The Manager ensures that all maintenance and operational activities align with university sustainability goals, environmental standards, and customer service expectations, while fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.

Requirements

• Knowledge of grounds, organic landscape, irrigation, and athletic field maintenance methods, materials, and equipment
• Understanding of administrative and management techniques for planning and implementing large-scale grounds programs
• Knowledge of recycling and refuse management principles and regulatory requirements
• Ability to plan, communicate, and implement operational plans effectively
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and supervise diverse teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to customer service
• Ability to analyze complex situations, develop solutions, and implement improvements
• Knowledge of sustainable and organic land management practices, including soil health, turfgrass, and IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
• Ability to interpret and apply standards from professional organizations such as SFMA and NOFA Organic Land Care
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), scheduling, and performance reporting tools
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds occasionally
• Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, a minimum of two years of which are associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Three years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex, of which a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues
• Experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans
• A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.
• Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Nice To Haves

• Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California, or Certified IPM Technician (CIT)
• Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society
• Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices.
• Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCA
• Certified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation Association
• NOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification, or equivalent training in organic land management
• Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment
• Experience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methods
• Experience in grounds services management of a State facility, College or University, or other environment with extensive grounds

Responsibilities

• Oversee all grounds and landscape services for South Main Campus, including Division I Athletics facilities, ornamental gardens, and stormwater prevention zones
• Implement and manage preventive maintenance plans, irrigation programs, integrated pest management, and tree care schedules
• Lead recycling and refuse management programs ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Develop and monitor quality assurance programs, performance metrics, and customer service standards
• Manage personnel functions including recruitment, training, evaluation, and performance management for assigned staff
• Administer budgets, resource allocation, and inventory control to ensure efficient operations and fiscal accountability
• Coordinate with campus partners including Athletics, Club Sports, and Kinesiology to align grounds management with usage needs
• Support sustainability initiatives including soil health management, water-efficient irrigation, and organic nutrient programs
• Participate in long-term planning, deferred maintenance assessments, and design standards development for university projects
• Ensure safety compliance, emergency preparedness, and adherence to all environmental health and safety standards

Benefits

• San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees