Enable America Jobs

Work Schedule:

Full-time; Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm. Some weekends may be required.

General Description:

The Grounds Supervisor and Arborist is responsible for supervision of grounds personnel for the maintenance of university landscape and systems, including trees, shrubs and irrigation on athletic facilities, formal and natural areas. Assists in project development, planning and identification to achieve a cohesive and efficient landscape. Implements best practices in regards to sustainable landscape. Reports to Campus Services Manager.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, and supervises grounds maintenance personnel and programs.
• Assist Campus Services Manager in interviewing and hiring personnel to fill vacancies as they occur. Interview, hire, and supervise student grounds assistants.
• Trains new grounds personnel on current university processes and practices.
• Oversee and provide expertise on maintaining the campus trees, shrubs and irrigation systems.
• Integrate sustainable best practices in the irrigation systems and planting of trees and shrubs.
• Coordinate with outside vendors/contractors on projects related to grounds.
• Prepare, update, and assist in maintaining drawings of campus landscapes.
• Maintain the campus inventory of all trees/shrubs and their conditions in a computer database.
• Responsible for the cleaning of university roofs, gutters, and downspouts (in-house or contract).
• Documents attendance and manages time sheets.
• Prepares performance evaluations and takes appropriate disciplinary action of the staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Facilities team members are considered essential University personnel. In the event of  PLU declaring emergency status, essential personnel are expected to contact their supervisor for assignment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise, schedule and evaluate employees' performance.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural practices and hazards associated with grounds maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of best management practices used in applying pesticides and fertilizers; plant identification; and tree, shrub, and turf grass diseases and their control.
• Strong knowledge of arboricultural practices used in pruning, planting and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of irrigation system design; architectural graphics.
• Knowledge of grounds equipment and heavy machinery.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Required Qualifications:

• 3 years grounds maintenance experience, including commercial landscape, park maintenance or related work. Education can substitute for some experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Certified Arborist or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• High school diploma or  GED.
• Valid Driver's License (Must have had a valid driver's license for at least 2 years).
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background check, declaration regarding sexual misconduct with references (subject to verification), driving abstract, and pass PLU's Driver's Certification Training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AA or BS degree in Horticulture, Forestry, or other related field.
• Knowledge of  LEED sustainable landscaping applications.

Work Conditions