Sr. Superintendent of Grounds, Irrigation & IPM

University of California System•Irvine, CA

42d•$88,000 - $124,800

About The Position

The Grounds Sr. Superintendent is a strategic leadership role responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and equipment operations across UC Irvine. This position leads implementation of the UCOP 2024 Integrated Pest Management Policy, ensuring compliance with tiered pesticide use classifications, reporting requirements, and environmental stewardship standards. The sr. superintendent oversees certified pesticide handlers, manages compliance through the UC Pesticide Use Authorization platform, and provides staff training on IPM practices. In addition to IPM oversight, the role manages all aspects of grounds and irrigation operations, establishing performance metrics, supervising union-represented staff, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance, and supporting sustainability and campus aesthetics. The position also oversees the full lifecycle of grounds and irrigation equipment, including inspections, documentation, replacement planning, and compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and environmental responsibility.

Requirements

Solid knowledge in IPM pest control / irrigation / landscape / groundskeeping services.
Solid verbal and written communication skills in the English language, including active listening, flexibility, and critical thinking, and ability to multi-task and ensure effective time management.
Solid decision making and reasoning skills, and ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and conduct operations analysis and quality control analysis.
Solid and effective interpersonal and work leadership skills to provide guidance to other personnel.
Strong ability to provide plant and pest identification.
Intermediate computer applications skill.
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others to maintain solid productivity and high morale.
1-3 years in a supervisory role
Ability to work in changing environment which may require re-prioritization of daily operations, and management of competing priorities.
High school diploma and / or equivalent certification / experience / training
Driver's License: Required to hold a valid drivers license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
A minimum of 3 years of experience progressively responsible experience in landscape or grounds operations,
A minimum of 3 years of experience managing or implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, including regulatory compliance and pesticide use oversight
A minimum of 3 years of experience irrigation system management, including operation of central control systems, water conservation auditing, and maintenance of large- and small-scale irrigation equipment.
QAL/QAC (Qualified Applicators License/Certificate -- pesticide applicators license or certificate) required.

Nice To Haves

Academic prep in horticulture.
Bloodborne pathogen and sharps disposal training.
Experience working in and/ or supervising in a union environment.
Experience working in a university setting, including the ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
Bilingual communication (verbal and written) in Spanish.