Head Groundskeeper

Head Groundskeeper

Chatham University welcomes applicants for the position of Head Groundskeeper.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Campus Services the Head Groundskeeper will coordinate direct and participate in the activities of the grounds crew in performing routine and recurring maintenance of campus grounds including all lawns shrubs trees sidewalks and roads signs and parking areas. The position is also responsible for coordinating directing and assisting in removing snow and ice from roads walks and steps on campus throughout the day and night. All work is subject to inspection for conformance to specifications and accepted standards of the trade but is primarily reviewed through observation results. Because this department intertwines with other departments this position must frequently plan cooperate and contribute to the institution by sharing and working with peers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Through the guidance of the assistant director and director coordinate and direct the daily operations of the landscaping crew including assigning directing and coordinating tasks accounting for their time attendance and work schedules and directing the departments efforts efficiently and professionally.
• Coordinate direct and participate in maintaining all grassy areas of the college. Maintenance includes watering mowing trimming planting seeding and fertilizing.
• Coordinate direct and help maintain all college bushes shrubs flowers and small trees.
• Coordinate direct and remove leaves twigs branches debris and other foreign material from the colleges property.
• Coordinate with and respond to the direction of both internal and external stakeholders to meet the maintenance standards of the Shadyside Arboretum.
• Coordination is not necessary for general maintenance tasks.
• Develop and prepare cost estimates and plans for requested or planned horticultural and landscaping projects. The director and assistant director of facilities will closely coordinate and approve these projects.
• Coordinate direct and help assess the campus grounds daily including picking up trash and debris.
• Coordinate direct and help empty exterior trash containers and assist in removing trash put out by housekeeping.
• Coordinate direct and help with spotrepairing roads walkways and steps.
• Coordinate direct and help with maintaining grounds equipment.
• Coordinate direct and help remove snow and ice from college roads walks and steps using manual and motorized equipment.
• Coordinate direct and help maintain surface drainage by clearing catch basins.
• Maintain accurate records for chemical use and maintenance work including mowing seeding fertilization aeration pesticide and herbicide use.
• Plan schedule and direct the application of fertilizers insecticides fungicidesherbicides etc.
• Inventory and requisition supplies tools and parts as needed. Maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate direct and help maintain trash containers bike racks outdoor seating fountains and ponds.
• Supervise and participate in the maintenance and installation of campus signage.
• Train crews in all assigned areas of responsibility.
• At managements request advise and recommend hiring in the grounds department. Management has the final decisionmaking authority and responsibility.
• Because of necessary fluctuations of workloads in the skill area an individual in this class may be required on an occasional basis according to need to perform duties outside his/her trade area at a level of skill the same as or lower than required by his ordinary assignment.

Qualifications:

• Must possess at least an associate or bachelors degree in horticulture landscape management or a related subject.
• Must possess at least four years of experience as a supervisor in landscaping or gardening. A graduate degree in horticulture landscape management management or a related field may be substituted for one year of supervisory experience.
• Since the nature of the campus requires continuous service and emergencies may arise during other than normal work hours this position will be required to provide a telephone number and be willing to accept emergency callins and overtime work when necessary.
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania certification in pesticide and herbicide application.
• Must possess a Pennsylvania drivers license.

Physical Requirements:

• This position may require physically demanding work such as lifting heavy weights (up to 100 pounds for numerous repetitions) and manually transporting tools supplies and equipment.
• This position requires the ability to work outdoors in all climates.
• This position must possess the manual coordinationrequired to operate riding mowers tractors skidsteer loaders and other equipment.

Salary:

• This position will be filled at the hourly rate of $31.61. 40hour work week.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via (direct link is and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.