Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.
*Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.
Facilities Services invites applications for a Groundskeeper Manager to oversee all aspects of the grounds operations and duties performed by the grounds crew.
The Grounds Manager position:
- Participates in regular meetings and safety trainings
- Reports campus irregularities to Work Order Desk
- Understands key protocols and building security
Responsible for general grounds work including but not limited to:
- Provide leadership and professionalism to the grounds crew of up to ten (10) staff and student employees
- Handle day-to-day grounds operations and inventory control
- Provide on-site supervision and coordination of grounds staff and equipment
- Provide long-term planning and management of available resources designed to minimize operational costs, maximize resources and improve safety by establishing and improving grounds methods, techniques and procedures
- Implements University and Department policies and procedures
- Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs and research purchases
- Coordinate, train, assign and perform:
- Turf maintenance, general and advanced landscaping maintenance and floriculture maintenance
- Grounds cleanup and general clean-up of trash and litter including picking up debris, leaf mulching and removal, sweeping, window well cleanup and general seasonal cleanup
- Application of pesticides and fertilizers including the calibration of equipment and detailed record keeping
- Snow removal including plowing, de-icing, and applying sand.
- Coordinate training and operation of: Various hand and power tools, snow removal equipment, light duty landscaping equipment and heavy-duty landscaping equipment
- Ensuring all grounds standards are met in a safe and efficient manner
- Assessing, planning, organizing, scheduling and assigning the work of staff and students
- Providing regular recommendations or uses independent judgment and decisions regarding the hiring, training, rewarding, disciplining and firing of staff
- Occasional required before/after-hours and weekend supervision of grounds crew for special events
- Any additional duties as assigned
Required Skills
- Knowledge, skill and ability required to perform duties and responsibilities of lower-level grounds positions
- Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures
- Specialized knowledge of grass and plant physiology including the effects of chemicals, fertilizers, mowing techniques and weather condition to turf
- Ability to identify disease, pests and soil conditions detrimental to ideal growing conditions
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Ability to complete tasks accurately and meet deadlines in a busy environment while providing attention to detail
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a safe work environment
- Proven ability to follow written and oral instructions, safety information, policies and procedures
- Knowledge of basic computing and spreadsheet software
- Willingness and ability to work in extreme weather conditions
- Willingness and ability to perform physically strenuous tasks including long hours and occasional weekends
- Willingness and ability to tolerate equipment noise
Physical Requirements
(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)
- Lifting: Ground to 60 inches, up to 50 lbs. Ground to 30 inches, 80 lbs.
- Carrying: Front carry up to 50 lbs. for 10 feet or less.
- Right and left hand carry up to 75 lbs. for wheelbarrow handling.
- Pushing and pulling forces required (pushing and pulling materials, and during the use of tools): 100 lbs. sustained.
- Repetitive squatting on both even and uneven surfaces.
- 3 minute overhead work from various positions (standing, crouching, or kneeling).
- Static forward bending from a standing, crouching or kneeling position while using tools.
- Trunk rotation from a standing or kneeling position.
- Balancing when climbing and working on a ladder.
- Walking various distances, continuously, throughout the day on even and uneven surfaces.
- Use of various grip circumferences and strengths as well as static grip positions during the use of various tools (4 1/2" to 5 1/2" circumference needing an average of 50 lbs. of grip force) and while manipulating various work materials (maximum 100 lbs.).
- Use of foot controls and hand controls to drive and operate light and heavy machinery.
Physical Screen will be administered prior to a final offer of employment.
Minimum Required Experience
- High School diploma and two (2) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Possess a current driver’s license
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible grounds experience and two (2) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience or a combination of experience and education
- Ability to obtain Montana of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License with ornamental and turf endorsement within 1 year of hire date
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, integrated plant management, natural resource management or related field
- Demonstrated skill in the operation of personal computers and related word processing, spreadsheets, database software (Microsoft Office Suite), internet and email with the ability to learn software
- Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures including the regular and proper use of business communication, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition to enhance verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of purchasing and inventory practices and procedures
- Working knowledge of the Work Order System
- Arborist Certification
- Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management
- CDL
About the Facilities Services and UM
The University of Montana is a flagship, R1 research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains where three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.
The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Mission of Facilities Services is to assist in the development of a physical environment supportive of teaching, research, and Administration on The University of Montana campus through the operation and maintenance of the state funded Physical Plant, and providing services to the auxiliaries as required. It is also Facilities Services Mission to provide planning and construction services for all of the campus in support of the development and enhancement of the University's Physical Plant. Additionally, Facilities Services is responsible for assuring compliance with all codes related to facilities, construction, renovations, maintenance and operations of all campus facilities. This Mission of support includes long-term preservation of facilities, assets and equipment.
To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
Position Details
Position Title: Groundskeeper Manager
Position Number: 087050
Department: Facilities Services
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), 12 months/year
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Salary: $27.000/hr
Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE
Probationary Period: Six months minimum
Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan,
partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
This position will remain OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.
A complete application Includes:
*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.
Missoula, Montana, United States