Director of Campus Grounds

Description

At Westminster College, we believe in immersive and enriching experiences that inspire creative thinking and problem solving. We believe in creating opportunities for several different paths to success over a lifetime and the potential to make an impact from wherever you are. For our students, we do this by providing real-world, hands-on learning opportunities, small class sizes, and talented professors dedicated to the individual. Our employees often remark that our tight-knit community creates an atmosphere fostering campus involvement that adapts to all interests. As a result, Westminster continues to be recognized for its excellence in higher education as one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.

The Director of Campus Grounds is responsible for maintaining the beauty, safety, functionality, and overall appearance of the college's campus grounds. This position serves as the primary individual responsible for landscape maintenance, tree care coordination, seasonal grounds projects, and outdoor facility upkeep. The Director oversees contracted services for lawn mowing, snow removal, and other specialized grounds services while ensuring campus grounds consistently reflect the College's standards for safety, appearance, and environmental stewardship.

As a member of the Plant Operations team, the Director collaborates closely with the Director of Plant Operations and maintenance staff to support campus operations. During periods when outdoor work is limited due to seasonal weather conditions, the position assists with interior maintenance and facilities-related projects as assigned.

The Director of Campus Grounds is a key contributor to the overall appearance and functionality of the campus environment. Success in this role requires a commitment to service, attention to detail, environmental stewardship, and collaboration with colleagues across the institution to support the mission and goals of the College.

Requirements

Essential Functions:

The statements below are intended to describe the principal duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Grounds and Landscape Maintenance

• Maintain the appearance, health, and safety of all campus grounds, including landscaped beds, trees, shrubs, walkways, parking lots, courtyards, gathering spaces, and other outdoor areas.
• Develop and implement seasonal landscaping and grounds improvement plans.
• Perform or coordinate planting, pruning, mulching, fertilization, watering, weed control, and other horticultural activities.
• Monitor and maintain the health and appearance of campus trees and coordinate tree  trimming, removal, replacement, and related services.
• Inspect campus grounds regularly and identify maintenance, safety, and beautification needs.
• Maintain campus irrigation systems and perform basic repairs and adjustments as needed.
• Prepare campus grounds for admissions events, commencement, alumni functions, and other special events.
• Recommend and implement campus beautification initiatives that enhance the appearance and attractiveness of the campus environment.

Contract and Vendor Coordination

• Serve as the primary institutional contact for contracted mowing, snow removal, landscaping, tree care, and other grounds-related services.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure services are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with College expectations.
• Conduct regular inspections of completed work and address quality concerns with vendors.
• Assist with the development of service specifications, contractor selection processes, and contract administration.
• Coordinate contractor schedules to minimize disruption to campus operations and events.

Equipment and Operations

• Operate and maintain grounds equipment used for landscaping, tree care, irrigation maintenance, and general grounds upkeep.
• Maintain tools, utility vehicles, and equipment necessary for campus grounds operations.
• Monitor equipment condition and recommend repair or replacement as needed.
• Assist with annual budget planning for grounds supplies, equipment, plant materials, and contracted services.

Seasonal Responsibilities

• Monitor winter weather conditions and serve as the campus liaison with contracted snow and ice removal vendors.
• Apply de-icing materials and monitor winter weather conditions.
• Inspect campus pathways and exterior areas following weather events and coordinate additional vendor services when necessary.
• During winter months and periods of reduced outdoor activity, assist with interior maintenance projects, preventative maintenance activities, event setup needs, painting, and minor repairs.
• Support Plant Operations initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Collaboration and Support

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Plant Operations and maintenance technicians to support institutional priorities and campus projects.
• Assist with campus construction, renovation, and improvement projects affecting grounds and landscaping.
• Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors performing specialized grounds, landscaping, tree care, or snow removal services.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain records related to grounds maintenance activities, equipment maintenance, inspections, and vendor services.
• Monitor inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Participate in emergency response activities and provide support during campus weather events or other emergencies.

Other Duties as Assigned

Other miscellaneous tasks and responsibilities can be assigned to this employee periodically – primarily, but not exclusively, in the plant operations area.

Job Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or technical certification in horticulture, landscape management, arboriculture, facilities management, or a related field is preferred. Certified Arborist, pesticide applicator license, or other relevant professional certifications preferred but not required.

Experience:   

• Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, facilities maintenance, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience operating a variety of grounds maintenance equipment and tools.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance, turf management, tree care, irrigation systems, and seasonal grounds operations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the College's vehicle insurance program.
• Experience in a higher education, educational, municipal, or institutional setting is preferred.
• Experience coordinating contractor services and campus improvement projects, in addition to overseeing outsourced grounds maintenance, landscaping, or snow removal contracts is preferred.

 Skills:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors.
• Experience coordinating or managing contracted grounds or landscaping services preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and vendors while working independently.
• Knowledge of best practices in campus landscape management and grounds planning preferred.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Health Savings Account and/or Flex Spending Account
• Supplemental options: Short-term disability, Hospitalization, Accident, and Critical Illness
• Stand-alone EAP program
• Life, AD&D, and long-term disability
• Retirement 403(b) plan
• Tuition remission or exchange programs
• Sick and Vacation time
• Paid Holidays (15+ each year)

Westminster College encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The College is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The College does not discriminate in access to, treatment of, or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, disability, or genetic information.

Inquiries about compliance with this prohibition should be directed to:

Associate Vice President & Chief HR Officer/Title IX Coordinator

501 Westminster Ave, Washington West, 2nd floor

Fulton, MO 65251

HR@Westminster-mo.edu

573-592-5226