Manager, Grounds

Department
 

Facilities Operations Management

About the Department
 

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors, and visitors.

Job Summary
 

The job manages a team of professionals responsible for multiple service maintenance and skilled trades areas or groups. Implements standard operating procedures. Conducts inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Grounds directs and coordinates the day-to-day activities of Facilities Services Grounds crew. These activities include supervising a crew of approximately 25 employees, managing an operational budget, implementing and maintaining designs provided by Planning + Design staff, scheduling, coordinating and planning work, assuring quality of work, using appropriate computer systems, and effectively communicating with customers as well as Facilities Services staff.

• Manage the care and maintenance of grounds, athletic fields, campus landscape, horticultural features, and equipment maintenance and snow management.  

• Manage 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.

• The Manager of Grounds is expected to 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 Facilities’ policies and standard operating procedures.

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

• Develop and manage the Grounds and Landscaping 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 Shops, Facility Managers, Planning + Design and/or Project Management reviewing major renovation projects. Work with architects, contractors, and building users, when renovations or major systems repairs occur that impact the grounds to ensure that this work is done in a safe and efficient manner.  Planning, scheduling, and completing assignments in a timely fashion.  Responsible to ensure shop safety program is in alignment with established operational goals and trade best practices. 

• Effective and timely communication, whether verbal or written, with customers, vendors, and Facilities Services’ 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.

• The Manager of Grounds will respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day and work long or irregular periods when needed. 

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

• Provides 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.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BS in Horticulture, Turf Grass Science, Agronomy or related degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 year experience in grounds-keeping activities, including the use of pesticides and lead or supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to successfully complete the University’s Motor Vehicle Records check process.

• Appropriate technical licenses or registrations.

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

• Underground storage tank certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of modern grounds maintenance management techniques.

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

• Knowledge of managing snow and ice control operations.

• Strong comprehensive management skills and techniques.

• Strong planning and scheduling skills.

• Understand appropriate codes and insure at least minimum compliance to those codes while operating within the limits of resources.

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

Preferred Competencies

• Customer service orientation.

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

• 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.

• Demonstrated understanding of landscaping and horticulture.

• 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.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing or speaking to customers, vendors and employees of organization.

• ​Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure relevant to the job.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 

• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Working Conditions

• The requirement is mobility and agility necessary to climb stairs and ladders, capable of high-altitude work, capable of working in restricted spaces, as well as the ability to work in extreme temperatures. 

• Must have mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• List of References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Facilities Management

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

Yes

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

Facilities Operations Management

About the Department
 

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors, and visitors.

Job Summary
 

The job manages a team of professionals responsible for multiple service maintenance and skilled trades areas or groups. Implements standard operating procedures. Conducts inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Grounds directs and coordinates the day-to-day activities of Facilities Services Grounds crew. These activities include supervising a crew of approximately 25 employees, managing an operational budget, implementing and maintaining designs provided by Planning + Design staff, scheduling, coordinating and planning work, assuring quality of work, using appropriate computer systems, and effectively communicating with customers as well as Facilities Services staff.

• Manage the care and maintenance of grounds, athletic fields, campus landscape, horticultural features, and equipment maintenance and snow management.  

• Manage 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.

• The Manager of Grounds is expected to 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 Facilities’ policies and standard operating procedures.

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

• Develop and manage the Grounds and Landscaping 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 Shops, Facility Managers, Planning + Design and/or Project Management reviewing major renovation projects. Work with architects, contractors, and building users, when renovations or major systems repairs occur that impact the grounds to ensure that this work is done in a safe and efficient manner.  Planning, scheduling, and completing assignments in a timely fashion.  Responsible to ensure shop safety program is in alignment with established operational goals and trade best practices. 

• Effective and timely communication, whether verbal or written, with customers, vendors, and Facilities Services’ 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.

• The Manager of Grounds will respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day and work long or irregular periods when needed. 

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

• Provides 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.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BS in Horticulture, Turf Grass Science, Agronomy or related degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 year experience in grounds-keeping activities, including the use of pesticides and lead or supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to successfully complete the University’s Motor Vehicle Records check process.

• Appropriate technical licenses or registrations.

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

• Underground storage tank certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of modern grounds maintenance management techniques.

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

• Knowledge of managing snow and ice control operations.

• Strong comprehensive management skills and techniques.

• Strong planning and scheduling skills.

• Understand appropriate codes and insure at least minimum compliance to those codes while operating within the limits of resources.

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

Preferred Competencies

• Customer service orientation.

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

• 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.

• Demonstrated understanding of landscaping and horticulture.

• 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.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing or speaking to customers, vendors and employees of organization.

• ​Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure relevant to the job.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 

• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Working Conditions

• The requirement is mobility and agility necessary to climb stairs and ladders, capable of high-altitude work, capable of working in restricted spaces, as well as the ability to work in extreme temperatures. 

• Must have mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• List of References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Facilities Management

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

Yes

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.