Uncommon Life | St. Joseph, MO

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Grounds Supervisor

Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University

People & HR, Operations
St Joseph, MO, USA
Posted on May 10, 2025
Position Information
Position Title Grounds Supervisor
Job Description
The Grounds Supervisor manages and supervises the grounds operations including: campus landscaping, grounds maintenance and snow removal activities for all campus grounds. Leads, develops and motivates staff to ensure students, faculty and staff experience an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment. The supervisor oversees the operations of the university’s vehicle fleet, including maintenance of vehicles and the supervision of the mechanic.

Essential Job Duties:
  • Manages the maintenance of university grounds; overseeing the mowing, edging, trimming, and watering of lawns; assures proper preparation and fertilization of soil; organizes and directs the planting, cultivation, pruning, fertilization and irrigation of flowers, trees, grass and shrubs; assures assigned functions comply with established standards.
  • Instructs grounds crew with general groundskeeping processes and procedures, correct use of equipment, and proper safety procedures. Assists alongside the grounds crew as necessary.
  • Coordinates work assignments for grounds crew, assigning individual duties and responsibilities to crew based on work demands.
  • Manages the maintenance of university vehicles and maintenance equipment; overseeing the preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Ensures the facility conforms to prescribed standards of safety and cleanliness.
  • Oversee vendors and subcontractors; providing estimates and appropriate records for project requests.
  • Maintains adequate inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment by anticipating needs, determining quantities, preparing requests, and completing records.
  • Makes recommendations to the department administration relating to the hiring, disciplinary action and discharge of employees.
  • Makes recommendations to the department administration relating to vehicle and/or vehicle parts requests.
  • Verifies and approves employee time sheets and absence requests.
  • Responds to emergencies whenever they occur.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and demonstrated skill in all phases of landscaping and vehicle maintenance procedures
  • Knowledge and demonstrated skill in chemical use and equipment related to landscaping and vehicle maintenance
  • Organized thinker with exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to manage and supervise staff members
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and other general office software and equipment
  • Ability to effectively work independently, take initiative and follow-up in a timely manner
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Communication, as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
Required Qualifications
  • Professional Lawn and Landscaping Experience.
  • This position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have three to five years of experience in working in a building or grounds crew.
  • Must have experience in supervising or managing people.
  • A valid driver’s license is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
  • Will work indoors and outdoors, and will be routinely exposed to inclement weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
  • Exposed to the intense noise of mechanical and utility system equipment, machinery, and tools.
  • Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, bodily fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and working at height.
  • May, on rare occasions, be required to wear a respirator.
  • Position requires heavy physical activity, and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
  • Requires the ability to climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and reach.
  • Required to use close vision and be able to focus.
  • Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, and bend at the knee and waist, and walk.
  • Must be able to have repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer.
  • Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment.
  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
FLSA Exempt
Additional Demands
Nights and weekends are required based on needs of the University; especially during the winter months for snow removal.
Hours of Work
37.5 hours per week
Schedule typically M-F 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Schedule may change based on campus needs.