Grounds & Operations Manager

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia .  Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect.  We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.   

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

The Grounds and Operations Manager plays a vital role in overseeing the maintenance, safety, and aesthetic upkeep of all landscaping and athletic grounds for Event and Venue Management (EVM). This individual will be responsible for managing and coordinating various tasks to ensure that sports fields and surrounding grounds meet the highest standards for playability, safety, and visual appeal. This role involves coordinating maintenance activities, implementing preventive measures, and providing expert consultation to support the organization's programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Maintains EVM grounds for both campuses and supervises field activities crew and other assigned staff and/or students
2. Ensure that field lining and logo painting are carried out accurately and efficiently according to the specifications of each sport.
3. Implement preventive maintenance measures to address issues such as turf wear, compaction, and drainage problems.
4. Coordinate regular inspections of playing surfaces to identify and address any safety hazards or maintenance needs promptly.
5. Develop and enforce safety protocols to ensure the standards set by multiple sports leagues such as MLB, NFL, MLS, and NCAA are met
6. Stay updated on industry best practices and regulations related to sports field safety and incorporate them into field management strategies.
7. Oversee synthetic turf maintenance and repair activities, including cleaning, grooming, and infill replenishment, to extend the lifespan and playability of artificial surfaces.
8. Coordinates grounds maintenance projects quickly and efficiently when needed.
9. Coordinate after-event grounds repair to quickly restore fields to optimal condition following sports events or other activities.
10. Manage tree removal, stump removal, and pruning activities to maintain the health and safety of the landscape surrounding athletic fields.
11. Oversee facility maintenance efforts to ensure safe and accessible pathways within outdoor recreational areas.
12. Assist with game day setup and event management
13. Foster new and existing relationships with all vendors overseeing fulfillment of vendor responsibilities to ensure playing surfaces are always in excellent condition

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license
Required Experience
Five (5) relevant experience, preferably with athletics facilities maintenance and landscaping

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Undergraduate or Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education, preferably in a related field
Preferred Experience
Irrigation repair and management experience
Experience in the maintenance and repair of high-performance turf and sports fields, both natural and synthetic

The budgeted salary range is $56,720 to $64,500.  Offers are based on relevant experience. 

Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

ABILITIES
Able to operate and instruct by example the safe operation of all types of equipment necessary to perform the job including but not limited to: skid steer, tractor, mowers.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time while meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of best methods for landscaping maintenance
Strong management background with an emphasis on communication
Expertise in designing and implementing customized fertilizer programs
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
Proficiency in conducting detailed surveys and grading analyses of athletic fields and proficiency in techniques to achieve precise field leveling and grading
Understanding and implementation of safety protocols specific to athletic fields, aligned with established standards.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [email protected].

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

• Standard Enhanced
• DMV
• 9 Panel Lab Drug Test

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf