Grounds Manager

ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY INC•Miami Gardens, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Manager oversees the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of the university’s outdoor grounds, gardens, walkways, and campus green spaces. This role supports a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects the mission, values, and standards of a private Catholic institution.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Several years of experience in landscape maintenance, grounds supervision, or campus operations.
Knowledge of plant care, turf management, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance best practices.
Experience leading crews and coordinating work schedules.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a higher education environment.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Valid driver’s license required

Nice To Haves

associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape management, facilities management, or a related field preferred.
certifications in pesticide application, irrigation, or related areas preferred.
Experience working in higher education, institutional, or large-campus settings.
Familiarity with campus planning, outdoor event support, and seasonal grounds preparation.
Understanding of Catholic university values and the ability to support a mission-driven environment.
Knowledge of sustainable landscaping, water conservation, and native plant care.
Ability to work collaboratively with facilities, maintenance, security, events, and administrative teams.

Responsibilities

Manage daily landscape and grounds operations across campus.
Supervise landscape staff, student workers, and contractors as needed.
Plan and schedule routine maintenance, seasonal plantings, pruning, irrigation, mowing, fertilization, and pest control.
Inspect campus grounds regularly to ensure landscapes, hardscapes, and outdoor features are well maintained.
Coordinate work in a way that supports academic calendars, campus events, liturgical celebrations, and university activities.
Oversee the care of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, courtyards, entryways, and exterior common areas.
Monitor equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, and ensure proper maintenance and inventory control.
Communicate with university leadership, facilities staff, and campus departments regarding ground needs and projects.
Help maintain safe walking surfaces, manage storm cleanup, and respond to urgent grounds issues.
Support environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping practices.
Assist with budgeting, vendor coordination, and project planning.
Promote a campus environment that reflects excellence, stewardship, and care for the university community.