Director Of Horticultural Services

Associate Grounds Superintendent

Under the direction of the Grounds Superintendent, the Associate Grounds Superintendent reports directs, trains and supervises the operational and personnel activities of the Grounds Department within the Physical Plant. The assists in leadership of landscape design, planning, maintenance, construction, irrigation, disease identification and treatment in turf/plants/trees, pest control, budget preparation, bid specification and personnel management, including training and daily supervision.

Plans, directs, manages, and leads the overall operation of the grounds department to maintain a safe and attractive landscape, including assigning, training and evaluating work for grounds areas owned or operated by the University.

This position works with all areas of the campus in campus design and maintenance to ensure compliance with the University Landscape Master Plan and University Facility Masterplan. This requires regular communication with the University leadership team, esthetics committee and contract designers.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Ensure that all State and Federal regulations are followed regarding but not limited to use of pesticides, herbicides, waste collection and employee safety.
• Communicate with administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
• Must have and maintain a broad knowledge of State Civil Service policies and regulations including attendance, overtime, promotion and discipline.
• Will recruit interview and manage staff per State and University policies.
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the University regarding assigned functions; participates in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs as requested.
• Work with the University Community and the City Solid Waste Department regarding pick-up of waste, placement of solid waste receptacles, recycling efforts and scheduling.
• Serve in a leadership role of the Physical Plant and is required to share in call-out duty and performs other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain athletic fields and ensure that they meet conference and NCAA requirements. The Grounds Department assists in pre-game and post-game facility preparation and clean-up.
• Oversee campus grounds and ensure that the campus esthetics are maintained and monitor the campus to ensure that all details of the campus appearance reflect the mission and image of the campus.
• Ensure that outdoor waste receptacles are emptied and that University property is well maintained, clean and presents the University in a positive light.
• Procure supplies and materials following State and University policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Preferred education is a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Agricultural Science
• Preferred is 5 years related experience in landscape maintenance, pest management and three years supervising a grounds maintenance staff.
• Ability to obtain a Louisiana Pesticide Applicators License within six months of employment. Must have a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Louisiana and possess an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge and Skills:

Methods and techniques of grounds maintenance and repair of irrigation systems

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation

Safety and accident prevention practices

Horticulture and landscape maintenance

Operate vehicles including pickup trucks, tractors, forklift, mowers, and other landscape equipment; towing trailers, and the safe loading of trailers; and snow removal equipment including snow plows

Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting

Ability to:

Supervise and implement a comprehensive grounds maintenance program

Assist in preparing and administering a budget

Assign work and supervise assigned staff

Monitor the work and prepare/present performance evaluations

Maintain accurate and detailed records of work and project performed

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals, whether members of the public or coworkers, from diverse groups and backgrounds

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Work is generally performed in both an office environment and an outdoor environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. When working out of doors, may encounter varying terrain (some potentially hazardous) in all types of extreme weather conditions and involves potential exposure to pesticides and maintenance related substance, blood borne pathogens, and diseased animals. Position involves recurring early and late hours with exposure to hazards, ventilation problems and noise extremes, high vehicular traffic and congested areas. Travel between college locations using college-owned vehicle or personal vehicle may be required. Frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. Incumbent may be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.