Assistant Director of Campus Grounds
Assistant Director of Campus Grounds
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Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
About Rice
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston Texas Rice University is ranked among the nations top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system which supports students intellectually emotionally and culturally through social events intramural sports student plays lecture series courses and student government. Developing close-knit diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rices culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name RICE Responsibility Integrity Community and Excellence.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Grounds plays a key role in supporting the Director of Grounds in the strategic planning development and maintenance of the universitys 300-acre campus. This position is instrumental in shaping first impressions reinforcing the universitys identity and cultivating an environment that is beautiful safe and functionalone that inspires students faculty alumni and visitors alike.
A well-maintained campus is more than just aestheticsit reflects the universitys commitment to excellence sustainability and the preservation of its rich history. The Assistant Director will be responsible for conserving and protecting natural resources overseeing exceptional grounds operations and enhancing the universitys entry points high-visibility areas and the exterior of academic spaces to ensure a welcoming and well-maintained campus environment.
With numerous historically significant buildings across campus landscaping efforts are approached with precision care and unwavering attention to detail ensuring that every element aligns with the universitys rich heritage and academic mission. Through innovative grounds management this role ensures the campus remains a thriving sustainable and inspiring environment.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary steward of campus grounds and an effective leader with expertise in groundskeeping irrigation pest control horticulture and sustainable landscape management. They will understand the vital role landscaping plays in shaping the universitys identity and preserving its historic significance. With strong leadership and communication skills they will direct and inspire teams of groundskeepers to maintain a visually stunning environmentally responsible and functional campus. Their innovative approach will ensure continuous improvement and operational effectiveness while honoring the universitys legacy creating a welcoming and engaging outdoor environment.
Workplace Requirements
Candidates must be able to bend stoop kneel climb push lift grasp and reach for extended periods with the ability to be on their feet for long hours. Responsibilities involve working in various weather conditions including heat cold rain and other seasonal elements. Must be available for early mornings evenings and weekends as needed to support campus events emergency maintenance and seasonal landscaping needs.
This position is exclusively on-site necessitating that all duties be performed in Rice policy 440work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an essential position requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.
Hiring Range:
This is a full-time benefits-eligible position and the proposed salary range is $83400 to $85000 annually depending on qualifications and experience.*Exempt (salaried) positions underFLSAare not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
- Associate degree
- In lieu of the education requirement additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
- 5 years of experience in landscape design Turf Management and groundskeeping management
- In lieu of the experience requirement additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
- Supervisory Experience
Skills:
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain a clean well-groomed landscape
- Expertise in eco-friendly landscaping water conservation and waste reduction practices
- Strong organizational skills for managing campus improvements and finances
- Ability to identify issues implement solutions utilize weather data document maintenance procedures and enhance campus landscape strategies
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration
- Ability to track report and resolve maintenance issues efficiently
- Capacity to lead special repairs and modification projects with strategic oversight
- Familiarity with groundskeeping machinery and tools including mowers trimmers irrigation systems and pest management equipment
- Good computer skills to produce electronic purchase orders and manage electronic payroll including the ability to create spreadsheets memoranda and adequately utilize Microsoft Outlook Excel and Word
Preferences
- Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture Horticulture Environmental Science or a related field
- 5 years of experience with 3 years or more in a supervisory capacity
- One or more certifications in Arboriculture Horticulture Pest Control Applications etc.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Proficiency in landscape design software and other relevant technology
- Proven expertise in sustainable landscape practices and integrated pest management
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Essential Functions
- Plan and execute all grounds maintenance activities including mowing pruning planting irrigation pest control and general upkeep
- Manage and oversee assigned budgets procurement activities and maintenance recordkeeping ensuring cost-effective operations and optimal resource allocation
- Implement and oversee integrated pest management (IPM) and agronomic strategies to minimize chemical use and promote ecological balance
- Ensure staff compliance with safety protocols fostering a culture of workplace safety and best practices
- Lead develop train and support groundskeeping staff cultivating a positive and productive work environment
- Monitor maintenance equipment inventory supplies and preventative maintenance schedules to optimize performance and longevity
- Conduct training sessions on sustainability landscape maintenance and safety procedures
- Collaborate with campus departments students faculty and staff to ensure seamless operations and effective coordination for campus events and shared landscape responsibilities
- Develop and manage waste reduction and recycling programs within groundskeeping operations
- Prepare and oversee comprehensive annual groundskeeping plans and weekly schedules for all campus landscape activities
- Conduct routine inspections of campus grounds to ensure landscaping and maintenance work meets university standards providing feedback and recommendations to staff and contractors for continuous improvement
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Rice University HR Benefits: Mission and Values:Mission and Values Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national or ethnic origin genetic information disability or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process please contact Rice Universitys Disability Resource Center at or for support.
If you have any additional questions please email us at . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
