Assistant Director of Grounds

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Grounds is part of the Facilities department at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for the daily and strategic management of the Grounds Department. Duties include supervision of all staff in the in the Grounds Department; planning, scheduling, organizing, and directing work; training of personnel; staff evaluation, praising, coaching, and discipline; shop organization; maintaining shop spaces and equipment; managing supplier services; data collection and analysis; planning and implementation of new programs; making recommendations to leadership; and leading a safe and efficient operation. The Grounds Manager works as a subject matter expert and partners with all university departments, working closely with multiple campus and community stakeholders to maintain and enhance the diverse outdoor environment of the campus. The position reports to the Director of Campus Services.

About the Work Unit:

Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of university buildings and infrastructure; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that home to more than 300 tree and shrub varieties and was designated as an arboretum in 1988; turf care for indoor and outdoor athletic fields; and utilities for Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

The Grounds Department is responsible to the day-to-day routine maintenance and long-term care for all campus outdoor spaces which includes turf care of all campus lawns; turf care for indoor and outdoor, artificial and natural athletics fields; care and maintenance of all trees and shrubs; perennial and annual landscaping; litter removal and outdoor trash collection of all outdoor areas, parking lots, and parking garages; maintenance and operation of  all irrigation systems; maintenance and repair of all hardscaping; snow and ice removal activities; storm clean-up; outdoor event support including commencement and student move-in/move-out.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Manages all day-to-day operational and administrative activities of the Grounds Maintenance Program and assigned staff; monitors workload, work orders, available resources, and work scheduling to ensure delivery of services.

• Plans, prioritizes, and manages efficient and economical grounds maintenance and horticultural programs in accordance with the seasonal calendar and current weather conditions to ensure that expected levels of appearance, plant health, cleanliness, and public safety are attained.

• Identifies and implements opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.

• Maintains a safe and attractive landscape across the university campus.

• Collaborates with stakeholders to scope, design, install, and maintain athletic turf fields, campus green spaces, landscape beds, drainage systems, plant materials, trees, mulch, hardscapes, parking lots and garages, roads, loading docks, waste collection areas, and outdoor waste receptacles throughout campus. 

• Plans and oversees support services for programs, activities, and events for university, student, or outside groups. Includes collaboration with various departments and groups to scope, plan, and execute support for outdoor campus events.

• Manages various supplies, equipment, and building operations including university vehicles and assigned program spaces.

• Researches, analyzes, compares, and summarizes grounds and landscape maintenance best practices. 

• Tracks, compiles, and reports data on the results of all program activities on monthly, quarterly, and annual basis including expenses, labor hours, work order completion, planned work completion, project statuses, inspections, and training. 

• Researches and makes recommendations on the most appropriate equipment, products, techniques, and services to meet organizational goals.

• Maintain an understanding of current and emerging improvement needs for plant material, plant health, soil health, drainage, aesthetics, and safety.

• Provide training to all Grounds’ staff on topics such as safety, proper work techniques, chemical application, equipment operation, and other topics. Serves as a resource and trainer to less experienced personnel.  Ensures all employees are working in accordance with university safety