Director of Grounds and Landscape Management

Why Work at BYU   

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Job Description

Director of Grounds and Landscape Management

The Director of Grounds is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, operation, and aesthetics of the beautiful and inspiring Brigham Young University’s campus grounds. This role ensures that all aspects of landscape maintenance, floral and greenhouse services, site and construction landscaping, special events support, recycling/sustainability is of the highest quality and excellence.  The Grounds Director ensures a safe, beautiful, and functional outdoor environment aligned with the university’s standards and mission.

What you’ll do in this position:

• Provide clear vision, purpose, and direction for the Grounds Department.
• Foster a supportive and accountable culture where employees feel valued and engaged.
• Lead by example to build unity across all areas of grounds and align the department with Physical Facilities Division goals.
• Be with employees out in their respective areas often.
• Emphasize communication, professional development/growth, and support (at times hands-on) while maintaining high standards and mutual respect.
• Ensure that the department is student focused and supportive/promotes the vision of “Becoming BYU”.
• Lead and coordinate the planning, budgeting, staffing, and execution of all Grounds Department functions.
• Ensure operational efficiency, safety compliance, and high-quality standards across all areas of Grounds.
• Develop cost estimates and approve procurement and expenditures.
• Responsible for the overall budget of the Grounds Department, ensuring fiscal stewardship by staying within allocated resources and proactively seeking opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and standards throughout all areas of the department and campus.

What qualifies you for this role:

Required

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU
• Bachelor’s in Landscape Management, Horticulture, Business Management or related field.
• 10 years of experience in landscape operations or grounds management, demonstrating a progression of leadership roles or responsibilities.
• Must have a proven track record of managing teams of 5 or more full-time or ¾-time employees (directly and/or indirectly).
• Must have previously overseen the maintenance and care of large-scale properties, such as 100–500 acres (typical of mid- to large-sized college or university campuses) or comparable commercial property maintenance.
• Broad expertise in landscape maintenance, plant and turf care, irrigation, pesticide application, and athletic field standards
• Experience with heavy equipment, site work, stormwater systems, and hardscape maintenance
• Strong leadership, budget management, project planning, and supervisory skills
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and safety protocols
• Ability to interpret blueprints and oversee construction site installations

Physical Effort

Moderate – Physical effort represented by frequent handling of medium weight objects (approx. 20-50 lbs.) and materials, or use of medium weight hand tools. May require climbing and working from ladders or in awkward positions.

• Entering/exiting and observing operation of heavy/specialized equipment (e.g., loaders, trucks, sweepers)
• Walking job sites, standing for extended periods, crouching/bending to inspect areas
• Lifting, moving, or inspecting materials (e.g., salt bags, compost, tarps, irrigation parts)

Environment – Periodic exposure to unfavorable conditions because of unavoidable need to be in variable temperatures or wet environments, etc.

• Exposure to extreme weather (hot/cold, snow, wind, sun)
• Supervising during sn