Grounds Supervisor

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The Physical Plant Department invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt position with benefits. Under general supervision, supervises groundskeepers performing manual labor duties in the maintenance of grounds and facilities. Benefits: Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, paid leave (Non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year). Overtime, shift-differential and on-call pay (non-exempt positions only) Responsibilities: •Determines work priorities, plans, schedules, assigns and reviews work; trains subordinate personnel. •Supervises grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing and/or pruning lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees. •Directs the removal of trash and debris from assigned areas. •Supervises and performs the removal of snow and ice from assigned areas using hand and power snow removal equipment. Spreads salt, sand and de-icers to prevent slipping. •Prepares and maintains written reports and records. •Ensures adequate supplies, materials and equipment are maintained in department. •Ensures the operational readiness and safety of equipment such as mowers, tillers, sweepers, snow blowers, edger, shovels, and small vehicles. •Performs routine assembly, cleaning and maintenance of equipment as needed. •Assists in the maintenance of outdoor fields and athletic facilities; and •Performs and demonstrates procedures for measuring, mixing, and applying fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals as instructed. •Performs groundskeeper duties as required. Required Qualifications: •Three years in grounds keeping in a lead or supervisory capacity. •Note: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. •Must be able to demonstrate ability to use grounds equipment correctly (snowplows, weed trimmers, zero turn mowers, back holes, skid steers, forklifts, and excavators, etc.) •Must be computer literate and able to complete computer work independently. Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: •General knowledge of grounds maintenance practices; of the methods and techniques for cultivating, planting, mowing, and caring for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees. •General knowledge of procedures for mixing and applying pesticides and other chemicals. •Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation and proper care of assigned hand and power tools and equipment. •Skilled in organizing and coordinating the grounds maintenance work. •Skilled in providing guidance and instruction to groundskeepers. •Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic calculations. •Ability to follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively. •Ability to supervise and train groundskeepers. •Ability to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned hand and power tools and equipment. •Ability to perform work in, on, around, under and over trees, shrubs, buildings and facilities. •Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet; to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting. •Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. •Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment. Certifications: •Must be certified by the State of Maryland as a pesticides and/or herbicides applicator within one year of hire. •Must obtain Class B commercial driver’s license within one year of hire. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE: Three years in groundskeeping in a lead or supervisory capacity. OTHER: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: General knowledge of grounds maintenance practices; of the methods and techniques for cultivating, planting, mowing, and caring for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees; of procedures for mixing and applying pesticides and other chemicals. Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation and proper care of assigned hand and power tools and equipment. Skill in organizing and coordinating the grounds maintenance work; in providing guidance and instruction to groundskeepers. Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic calculations; to follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively; to supervise and train groundskeepers; to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned hand and power tools and equipment; to perform work in, on, around, under and over trees, shrubs, buildings and facilities; to work at heights up to 35 feet; to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting; to work in adverse weather conditions; to wear and work in personal protective equipment. OTHER: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: A non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland may be required. Certification by the State of Maryland as a pesticides and/or herbicides applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a resume and the names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-VPAA-Physical Plant/Operations Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular Salary Range $44,053- $57,211 EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.