Grounds Manager

**Department**: PR Business Operations
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

**General Purpose**

The **GROUNDS MANAGER** is a vital position responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the University of Guelph’s 4-hectare campus grounds. This role is integral to creating a welcoming and safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The **Grounds Manager **oversees a dedicated team of groundskeepers and machinery operators, manages a substantial budget, and ensures that the campus landscape is maintained to the highest standards.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Management of Grounds:

- Oversee the maintenance of all soft and hard landscapes, ensuring that the campus grounds are well-manicured, attractive, and safe while providing support to specific colleges or departments as required.
- Develop and manage a snow removal program to keep essential areas clear and safe during winter months.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks on campus grounds, such as hazardous trees or erosion issues.

Team Supervision:

- Lead and manage a team of 8 machinery operators, 6 gardeners, and 1 arborist, including scheduling, task assignment.
- Effectively manage all human resources items as they arise, including performance management.
- Ensure all team members receive appropriate health and safety training.
- Foster a positive work environment and motivate staff to maintain high standards in grounds maintenance.

Administrative Duties:

- Manage a $2.6M budget, including preparing and authorizing purchases and expenses.
- Schedule and plan workforce activities, including overtime, staffing levels, and student workers; monitoring daily time records and making data-based decisions for future work requirements.
- Stay updated on government regulations regarding chemicals, pesticides, and other grounds maintenance aspects.

Grounds Development & Maintenance:

- Develop and maintain a sustainable landscape for the campus, including the care of sports fields, ornamental gardens, general turf areas, and an extensive tree inventory.
- Collaborate with community horticulture projects and academic research when needed.

Waste Management:

- Oversee communication between sustainability, custodial, and contractors to dispose of various types of waste.
- Supervise a large-scale manure composting operation, coordinating with relevant departments.

Long-Range Planning:

- Plan for future landscape maintenance, development, and equipment needs.
- Participate in the Landscape Advisory Committee and contribute to procedure manual development.

Public Relations:

- Serve as a liaison with customers, salespeople, and university administration.
- Assist the community with horticultural information and promote the University’s campus through public engagement.

**Requirements**:

- 2-year college diploma or an undergraduate degree in Horticulture.
- 4 years trades-related experience
- 2 years supervisory experience
- Knowledge of ornamental horticulture and turf management skills is required.
- Proven experience in grounds management, preferably in a large institutional or campus setting.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Experience managing budgets and departmental expenses.
- Knowledge of horticulture, landscape maintenance, and snow removal techniques.
- Ability to develop and implement safety procedures and risk mitigation strategies.
- Excellent communication and public relations skills.
- Knowledge of safe operation of on the road equipment and grounds equipment.

WHAT WOULD GIVE YOU THE EDGE?
- Pesticide License (land and structural)
- Integrated Pest Management Certificate
- ISA Certified
- Arborist
- Strong computer skills with expert level ability with databases and MS Office suite.
- Knowledge of horticulture software such as ArcGIS considered an asset.
- Excellent communication, leadership ability, and excellent analytical abilities using sound judgement and creativity in decision making.
- Human Resources Management Certification

**WHY JOIN US?**

**This role offers a unique opportunity** to shape the outdoor environment of our prestigious university, contributing to the overall student experience and the community’s engagement with the campus. You’ll work with a dedicated team and have the resources to maintain and enhance one of Ontario's most beautiful campuses.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10862026
Classification: P&M FT- Band 06
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

Posting Date: 09/13/2024
Closing Date: 09/30/2024