Grounds Operations Assistant

QUALIFICATION

Education

• Associate's degree required;
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience and Training

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping operations, horticulture, facilities operations, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating work crews, contractors, vendors, or service providers preferred.    Hands-on experience with irrigation systems, landscape maintenance, turf care, seasonal color programs, or athletic field support preferred.
• Experience operating commercial grounds maintenance equipment, utility vehicles, hand tools, power equipment, and other equipment commonly associated with landscape and grounds maintenance.
• Experience supporting special events, campus operations, or customer-facing service environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Strong working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscape management, irrigation systems, turf care, hardscape maintenance, seasonal planting programs and general horticulture practices.
• Demonstrates ability to perform physically demanding work and remain productive in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate, inspect, and perform basic preventative maintenance on grounds maintenance equipment and identify equipment requiring repair or service.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to recognize areas that do not meet University standards.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and maintain strong ethical standards consistent with University policy.
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate numerous activities with tight timelines. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized work management systems.   
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Understanding safety procedures, equipment use, and regulatory requirements associated with grounds operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reports to the field each day prepared to actively participate in and support the University's grounds maintenance operations.

• Assists the Director of Grounds in developing and executing daily work priorities for Grounds staff and contracted maintenance teams.
• Performs hands-on inspections of campus grounds each day, identifying areas requiring attention and taking immediate corrective action when appropriate.
• Field monitors campus conditions and coordinates corrective action to keep the campus show ready for students, families, guests, events, and University leadership
• Assists with outdoor event support including grounds readiness, tents, outdoor furnishings, staging support signage placement, barricades, trash support, and post-event cleanup coordination.
• Tracks and resolves work requests service calls, inspections, and project progress through the University work management systems.
• Monitors and works with contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to assure quality work, competitive cost, appropriate scheduling, and timely delivery of grounds-related services.   Assists with irrigation system monitoring, troubleshooting coordination, repair scheduling, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Actively supports storm response, snow and ice response, emergency preparedness, and recovery operations as required
• Works collaboratively with Campus Enhancement, Facility Operations, Security, Athletics, University Events, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and other departments to ensure campus readiness-
• Assists with equipment procurement, small tool inventory, fleet coordination, safety checks, and operational supply management for grounds operations.
• Maintains positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, co-workers, vendors, and managers.
• Maintains a professional image and represents the University positively in all interactions.   Other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Supports efficient use of labor' equipment, materials, supplies, and contracted services associated with grounds operations.
• Assists the Director of Grounds with managing operating budgets, project expenditures, purchasing documentation, invoices, and cost tracking as assigned.
• Ensures field work is performed in accordance with University standards, safety practices, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Promotes accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and campus pride within daily grounds operations.

For more information about this position, please contact Matthew Mahoney, Director of Grounds at mmahone1@highpoint.edu