Lead Groundsworker

University of Redlands•Redlands, CA

6d•$25 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Groundsworker is responsible for maintaining the campus lawns and landscape; provides support in the planning, assigning, and directing work of grounds staff employees. Operates small power-operated pavement sweepers, power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment. Supervises a crew of 12 groundskeepers maintaining approximately 160 acres of campus grounds — lawns, landscaped beds, irrigation systems, and a campus tree population of over 2,000 trees. Combines hands-on grounds work with crew supervision, scheduling, and quality control. Reporting to the Grounds Manager, ensure an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and clean University environment. May drive pick-ups and other automotive equipment in performance of assigned duties. This position requires the ability to respond to emergency needs, be on a call-back capacity and required to work weekends on occasion.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
3+ years grounds/landscaping experience, including supervisory or lead experience
Basic knowledge of turf care, ornamental plantings, and seasonal bed maintenance
Basic knowledge of tree care and maintenance
Working knowledge of landscape equipment, including ride-on mowers
Basic knowledge of irrigation systems and troubleshooting
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record; must pass DMV/background check
Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather (standing, bending, kneeling, prolonged exposure to heat/cold)
Knowledge of commercial lawn and landscaping maintenance techniques, methods, materials, and equipment.
Ability to safely operate a variety of lawn and landscaping maintenance equipment and tools.
Safety rules, regulations, and procedures for grounds maintenance.
Ability to operate and maintain all lawn and landscape maintenance equipment and report any issues.
Ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
Basic mathematical skills.
Excellent organizational skills, and detail orientated.
Ability to work as a team and independently and with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Follow appropriate safety rules and regulation.
Basic knowledge of personal computers and personal computer software and applications.
Aptitude to learn new and evolving technology.
Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable federal and state policies and laws.
Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Nice To Haves

Pesticide/herbicide applicator license (or ability to obtain within a defined period)
Irrigation systems certification
ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent tree care certification
Experience in a higher-education or large-campus setting

Responsibilities

Supervise, schedule, and direct daily work of up to 12 grounds crew members
Train and mentor crew on turf, landscape, tree care, and equipment procedures
Oversee mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, and seasonal bed/flower planting
Oversee care and maintenance of over 2,000 campus trees, including pruning, health monitoring, and coordination of removal/replacement as needed
Operate and oversee ride-on mowers, tractors, and other motorized grounds equipment
Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation systems
Coordinate grounds coverage and event setup/breakdown, including weekends
Enforce crew compliance with safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper PPE use
Maintain equipment in safe working order; coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance
Track crew hours, assign daily tasks, report progress to Grounds Manager
Provide input on materials, equipment, and seasonal planting budgets
Respond to weather emergencies — storm cleanup, irrigation freeze protection, and other urgent conditions
Operate university vehicles/trailers as needed to transport crew, equipment, or materials