Building Environmental Services Manager II – 2652

Working Title: Grounds Manager II – 2652

Min T/E Requirements

Graduation from High School or possession of a GED, and four years of experience in the area assigned, two years of which must have been supervisory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be received from an appropriately accredited institution.

Recruitment Range

Commensurate Upon Education and Experience

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate Upon Education and Experience

Position #: 2652

Is this a grant funded position?

No

If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable)

n/a

Primary Purpose of Position

The Grounds Manager provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and administrative direction for all campus grounds operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the University’s outdoor environment is safe, functional, and aesthetically maintained while aligning grounds services with institutional priorities, campus growth, and long-term sustainability initiatives.

This role exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority in planning, organizing, and directing grounds operations, including workforce management, resource allocation, and operational planning. The Grounds Manager serves as a key contributor to Facilities Management leadership by developing and implementing strategies that enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and campus appearance.

Job Description

Grounds Manager (EHRA) – Position Description

The Grounds Manager provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all campus grounds and athletic field operations at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This position is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive grounds management programs that support the University’s academic, residential, and athletic environments.

The Grounds Manager oversees the maintenance and enhancement of all athletic facilities, including baseball, football, soccer, softball, and intramural fields, ensuring they meet NCAA and institutional standards. The role serves as the primary liaison between Facilities Management and UNCP Athletics, collaborating closely with coaching staff to ensure optimal field conditions and scheduling alignment.

This position directs and manages all aspects of campus grounds operations, including turf management, horticulture, landscaping, irrigation systems, and arboriculture. The Grounds Manager develops long-term maintenance strategies, sustainability initiatives, and capital improvement plans that align with institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and environmental stewardship practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Administration
  • Provide direct leadership, supervision, and performance management for grounds personnel, including hiring, training, evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
  • Establish departmental goals, policies, and standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency, safety, and high-quality service delivery.
  • Develop and manage operational budgets, including forecasting needs for staffing, equipment, and materials.
  
  
• Athletics & Campus Grounds Management
  • Oversee the maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields to ensure compliance with NCAA standards and readiness for practices and competitions.
  • Coordinate closely with Athletics staff to plan field usage, maintenance schedules, and special event support.
  • Ensure the aesthetic and functional quality of campus landscapes, including academic buildings, residence halls, and public spaces.
  
  
• Technical Oversight
  • Direct turfgrass management programs, irrigation system design and maintenance, and plant health care initiatives.
  • Oversee arboriculture operations, including tree maintenance, hazard assessments, removal, and replacement planning.
  • Evaluate and implement best practices in groundskeeping, including sustainable landscaping and water conservation strategies.
  
  
• Planning & Development
  • Conduct site assessments and develop landscape designs for new construction and renovation projects.
  • Collaborate with Facilities Planning & Construction on campus development initiatives.
  • Engage with external vendors, contractors, and suppliers to procure services, equipment, and materials.
  
  
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations, safety standards, and University policies.
  • Promote a culture of safety by implementing training programs related to equipment operation, hazard prevention, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Establish quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes to maintain high standards across all operations.
  
  
• Operational Oversight
  • Monitor daily operations through inspections and performance metrics to ensure service excellence.
  • Develop and implement work plans, including cross-training initiatives to enhance workforce flexibility and efficiency.
  • Oversee seasonal operations, including event setup, storm response, and solid waste management as it relates to grounds services.
  
  
• Professional Engagement
  • Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices through professional development, workshops, and conferences.
  
  

Scope and Impact

This role operates with a high level of autonomy and is accountable for the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of the University’s outdoor environments. The Grounds Manager plays a critical role in enhancing campus aesthetics, supporting student life and athletics, and ensuring a positive experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Management Preference

Bachelor’s Degree in Turf Management, Landscape Gardening, Horticulture, Agronomy or related field. Prefer that successful candidates hold the NCDA Pesticide License – category L, ornamental and turf for ground applicators and have 5-7 years of directly related experience in grounds maintenance including irrigation systems.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation

Valid NC Driver’s License

Posting Number: EPA01159

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.

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