• Assist managing the care and maintenance of grounds, athletic fields, campus landscape and horticultural features, snow removal and labor crew.

• Assist managing unionized and/or non-unionized staff. Management entails prioritizing and scheduling work assignments (daily management and long- range planning), inspecting work for quality and completion. Coordinates emergency and urgent work schedules.

• Understand the administrative processes of good management including: Human Resources (hiring, mentoring, and disciplinary practices; reviewing and approving time cards; filing accident reports, organizing and directing continuous and consistent training programs for reporting staff, etc.), Procurement and Inventory (ordering and stocking of materials, managing vendor contracts), Developing and using performance measurement tools to improve processes.

• Effectively use and support Facilitiesâ™ policies and standard operating procedures.

• Effectively use computer technology (computerized maintenance management system, desk top applications, procurement authorization logs, etc.).

• Participate in developing and managing the Grounds Service Crewâ™s operating, alterations & repair budgets or capital budget, where appropriate.

• Provide knowledge and compliance with applicable federal, state, and city policies pertaining to construction practices, occupational safety, public health, and the environment.

• Coordinate and cooperate with other Facilities Servicesâ™ staff on multi-shop work or reviewing major renovation projects.

• Effective and timely communication, whether verbal or written, with customers, vendors, and Facilities Servicesâ™ staff.

• Conduct regular inspection tours of buildings, equipment and surrounding grounds for deficiencies, potential safety, health, or code problems and necessary repairs. Prepares written reports summarizing findings, and advises other building users, or others, as appropriate, of his findings, and recommendations for dealing with problems noticed in inspection. Also, actively search and develop new markets.

• Respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day and work long or irregular periods when needed.

• Supervises employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.

• Plans training, prioritizes and schedules work assignments (daily management and long-range planning), inspects work, and provides guidance and technical assistance. Conducts inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Certification or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 yearsâ™ experience in grounds maintenance and landscaping activities, including the use of pesticides.

• Supervisory experience in grounds management industry.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driverâ™s license with the ability to pass the Universityâ™s motor vehicle check.

• Valid Pesticide Applicator License--Illinois certification within first six months of employment.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of modern grounds maintenance management techniques.

• Demonstrated understanding of landscaping and horticulture.

• Knowledge and understanding of operation and maintenance of grounds care equipment.

• Strong comprehensive management skills and techniques.

• Strong planning and scheduling skills.

• Customer service orientation.

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with trades persons, professionals, faculty, students, staff, and administrators.

• Demonstrated ability to produce quality work at a fast pace and handle multiple tasks concurrently with excellent follow-up.

• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

• Conscientious and knowledgeable of safety issues, needs, and concerns.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as blue prints, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Business Acumen.

• Manage Performance.

• Performance and Execution.

• Partnership and Collaboration.