Zone Manager, Horticulture

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Landscaping team within University Operations is seeking to hire a Zone Manager, Horticulture. Drawing on the precision and standards of sports turf management, this role oversees the care, maintenance, and performance of all turf and plant health across campus, with a primary focus on high-profile locations such as Memory Mall, the Reflection Pond, and RWC athletic fields. This role leads the campus turf and agronomy program, managing soil health, nutrient applications, weed control, and pest management strategies to ensure optimal turf and plant quality year-round. Serving as a hands-on manager, the horticulture manager actively participates in daily field operations, including fertilizer and chemical applications, mowing, and equipment operation. Additionally, the role includes supervising maintenance staff coordinating with other landscape units, and supporting event preparation, reporting, and long-term planning efforts.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 4+ years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
• Valid Class E driver’s license.
• Must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.
• Must reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing turf and landscape operations, particularly in a large-scale university, athletics, municipal, commercial or comparable high-traffic setting.
• 2+ years experience supervising, training, and leading grounds or turf maintenance staff.
• Possession of industry-recognized credentials such as Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Certification, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certification, FDACS pesticide applicator licenses, Lawn and Ornamental (L&O) License, and/or Pest Control Operator (PCO) License.
• Knowledge of turfgrass management and agronomic practices, including soil health, fertilization, weed control, pest management, aeration, topdressing, and irrigation.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices, including pest monitoring, regulatory compliance, and the safe application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other turf management products within sports turf or golf course environments.
• Experience operating and maintaining specialized turf and landscape equipment, including spray rigs, spreaders, mowers, aerators, and other grounds equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain turf areas across all university campuses, with a focus on high-visibility and high-use areas such as Memory Mall, the Reflection Pond, and RWC athletic fields, ensuring high standards of appearance, safety, and functionality.
• Lead the university-wide turf and agronomy program, including soil health, nutrient management, weed control, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Develop and implement annual turf and landscape nutritional programs in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
• Plan and perform preventive maintenance and turf care activities to minimize pests, weeds, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Serve as a working zone manager by actively participating in daily turf operations, including mowing, aeration, topdressing, fertilizer and chemical applications, and operation of specialized equipment such as spray rigs and spreaders.
• Supervise, train, and mentor turf maintenance staff by providing daily direction, technical guidance, and hands-on support.
• Coordinate daily work assignments and ensure the proper, safe, and efficient use of equipment, materials, and resources.
• Collaborate with landscape operations teams, including irrigation, landscape maintenance, and tree care, to coordinate turf care strategies and seasonal schedules.
• Maintain accurate records related to turf health, treatments, product inventory, budgets, labor usage, and treatment outcomes.
• Support special event planning by coordinating turf protection, maintenance, and restoration needs during high-traffic periods and university events.
• Maintain spray and other turf equipment in a safe, clean, and mechanically sound condition and ensure equipment complies with federal, state, and local regulations and University SOPs.
• Inspect equipment and report maintenance, safety, or compliance concerns to the Operations Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department.

Benefits

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED