Irrigation and Landscape Zone Supervisor

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for an Irrigation and Landscape Zone Supervisor. The regular schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with an altered summer schedule and overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, and scheduling of turf irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation control systems; experience with Toro and Sentinel systems preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot irrigation issues, install heads, and assist with irrigation design and layout.
• Knowledge of turf types (e.g., bent, Bermuda, bluegrass, fescue, rye) and their specific care and irrigation requirements.
• Working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, including use of grass seed, sod, fertilizers, and control of turf diseases, pests, and weeds.
• Knowledge of excavation practices and ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.
• Experience operating grounds and landscaping equipment, including tractors, mowers, trenchers, seeders, spreaders, sweepers, and snow removal equipment.
• Supervisory and leadership skills, including the ability to plan, schedule, prioritize work, and evaluate staff performance.
• Ability to maintain records, perform basic mathematical calculations, and inspect landscapes for deficiencies.
• Ability to respond to irrigation emergencies and adapt to changing workloads.
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to groundskeeping and chemical application.
• Applicants must be at least 19 years old, possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months and an acceptable motor vehicle report.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of or willingness to obtain a Virginia Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) License along with fertilizer and pesticide applicator certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled and technical work to maintain safe, functional, and attractive university grounds and landscaping.
• Supervise and perform installation, repair, inspection, and preventive maintenance of all irrigation systems, including oversight of contractor work.
• Utilize and train staff on the GIS utility location system for irrigation purposes.
• Develop and manage irrigation schedules based on site conditions, turf needs, and weather.
• Apply and monitor herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect irrigation systems regularly to ensure efficiency and minimize breakdowns.
• Supervise and perform routine landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, pruning, edging, grading, planting, and debris removal.
• Coordinate and assist with special events, athletic events, graduation, and other campus activities.
• Supervise snow and ice removal operations in assigned areas.
• Provide on-site training and support to staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave.
• 19 paid holidays a year including one week off for Thanksgiving Break and almost two weeks off for Winter Break.
• Affordable health insurance
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System.
• A work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees