Grounds Manager
Richland School District is accepting applications for a Grounds Manager.
The District is recruiting a leader for the District’s quality grounds program. The general functions of the position are:
Development, oversight, and responsibility for all functions related to the maintenance and repair of District exterior assets (landscape/grounds) including, but not limited to, turf, sports fields, flower/shrub areas, playgrounds and toys, sidewalks, parking areas, access roads, tree care, irrigation systems, and snow removal.
Provide direct supervision, direction, and accountability for all Landscape Services (grounds) staff.
Provide oversight for all related contractor activity on District exterior assets (grounds).
Perform data gathering and presentation activities related to grounds including, but not limited to, budgets, labor statistics, water use, material costs, and annual work plans. Perform other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will have both strong technical skills appropriate for the position plus strong leadership skills that create a strong team atmosphere within the department.
The District
Richland School District encompasses the cities of Richland and West Richland. The District includes ten elementary schools, four middle schools, two senior high schools, an alternative school with grades nine through twelve, and a home school partnership program. The District also is a partner in a regional STEM high school based in Pasco. Richland schools receive strong support from the community. The most recent operating levy in February 2018 was approved by our community with a 69% “yes” vote, and a second levy specific to instructional technology also passed. A February, 2017 $98 million dollar construction bond passed with 61.5% approval and will fund the construction of two new and two replacement elementary schools. Approximately 13,500 students attend schools in the Richland School District.
Qualifications
Education/Certification/Experience
An Associate or higher degree in related field; i.e. turf grass, arborist, agricultural, or other. Related experience may substitute for degree.
Preferred PGMS (Professional Grounds Management Society) CGM (Certified Grounds Manager).
Current Washington State Pesticide Applicators license with appropriate endorsements.
Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of good driving record (driver’s abstract).
Applicable experience may substitute for certification; however, certification will be required within two years.
Performance Responsibilities
Develops, plans, implements, and executes short and long term visions and goals for all District landscapes including, but not limited to, turf areas, sports fields, flower/shrub areas, playgrounds and toys, parking areas, access roads, tree care, irrigation systems, and snow removal.
Develops, promotes, and communicates departmental and team performance expectations.
Understand and develop priorities and evaluate work.
Develops team culture based on the principals of “provider of choice”, “leaders in excellence”, and “accountability”.
Develops culture of “continuous improvement” and “questioning attitude” in all aspects of assigned duties.
Drives continuing education, adoption, and implementation of forward looking technology in areas of water management, turf health, tree health, playground safety, snow removal, and asset protection and development.
Develop relationships and collaborate with District Administrators regarding departmental planning for landscaping, irrigation, and maintenance of grounds.
Maintain a positive working relationship with employee union, and all co-workers.
Understand and implement Union contract and grievance policies and procedures.
Develop, implement, and enforce safe work practices.
Develops and presents topical presentations to various audiences including, but not limited to, School Board, trade organizations, other Districts, and staff.
Takes a leading role in promoting RSD management tactics and processes, successes, “lessons learned”, and any other matters of interest related to the Landscape Services department.
Provides direct supervision and technical direction, support, and accountability for all operations of the Landscape Services staff.
Plan, assign, schedule, direct, and inspect work against established expectations.
Leads team by example in problem solving, customer relations, and winning attitude.
Review and approve leave requests, counsel staff on use of leave time as needed.
Interview and recommend selection of new employees.
Conduct performance evaluations; Coach and counsel staff to achieve expected performance objectives.
Lead investigations for assigned staff as per policy and CBA, recommend and deliver disciplinary action for departmental staff as required.
Development and management of the Landscape Services program budget, annual work plan, staff load analysis, irrigation program, related preventative maintenance programs, and any additional programmatic or systemic needs for the Landscape Services program.
Ensure all school district landscaped and real estate areas are examined on a regular basis and that all assigned areas meet District expectations; capture any needed repairs and maintenance; take corrective actions as needed.
Prepares reports on estimated costs of proposed and ongoing projects and materials.
Establish and recommend priorities on repairs and projects.
Maintain a positive approach to difficult and challenging situations regarding staff, District personnel, and the public.
Develops, tracks, and supervises training and evaluation of Landscape Services personnel.
Develops and establishes standards for the selection of supplies and equipment for effective care of district grounds.
Researches, evaluates, recommends, and initiates purchases of Landscape Services equipment and materials required to meet departmental goals.
Research and negotiate with vendors for products and services; i.e.: pest control, snow removal, playground safety inspections, sports equipment inspections and certifications, large or special skills projects.
Assures the efficient operation and use of District landscaping equipment. Develops equipment use schedules. Works with Mechanic staff to assure the efficient implementation of preventative and periodic maintenance and all needed repair of grounds vehicles and specialized equipment.
Properly apply to all activities District policies and procedures, Collective Bargaining Agreements, Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations as required.
Maintain records and follow Federal, State, local laws, and District policies as they pertain to purchasing of supplies and services, and pesticide storage, handling, and application.
Assist in coordinating compliance with AHERA, Right-to-Know, ADA, and other federal/state agency requirements; provides assistance in worker compensation and student accident investigations as required.
Develops, plans, and implements data gathering methods for documenting results of departmental initiatives, both positive and negative. Uses this data for management and departmental “course correction”.
Assist administrators in resolving facility landscape concerns. Support special requests relating to use of District landscapes as per policy and guidance.
Respond to emergency situations involving grounds operations, support District emergency mitigation as requested, follow standards for emergency resolution and evidence preservation.
Be available for 24 hour rotating on-call responsibilities on weekends and evenings as first point of contact for all Facility, Transportation, and grounds related issues. Contact proper staff to assist with any emergent situation.
Assume and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities Operations.
Skills & Competencies
Knowledge of effective principles and practices of management and supervision.
Proven ability to plan and direct employees’ workload.
Documented successful supervisory experience.
Preferred leadership experience in a strong union environment.
Proven ability to develop, schedule, and manage projects to completion.
Proven and demonstrated excellence in communications both oral and written, ability to communicate with different audiences (staff, teachers, School Board); practices “active listening”.
Demonstrated knowledge of industry leading grounds and irrigation maintenance, operation, and management principles and techniques.
Knowledge of inventory control and internal tracking of supplies and materials.
Proven ability to develop and administer a program budget.
Demonstrated problem solving skills, experience in task planning, developing priorities for staff.
Conditions of Work
Required to be on-call to respond to emergencies on nights and weekends.
Exposed to loud noises, chemical fluids and fumes, and equipment with moving parts.
May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights.
Operate district vehicles and equipment.