Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Assistant Director is responsible for the maintenance of the grounds and overall aesthetic of the 175 acre campus of Case Western Reserve University and 10 adjacent institutions in University Circle. Create a pleasant outdoor environment, ensure a functional outdoor environment, and preserve property value. Lead and oversee a workforce of approximately 25 staff, establish policies and procedures, and direct standard activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manage the landscape aesthetic (considering ecology and environmental conditions) that stimulate and engage visitors to and residents of Case Western Reserve University and the surrounding Cleveland neighborhood. Develop and maintain a close partnership with University Circle Inc. to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the overall aesthetic of University Circle, which is one of America's densest concentrations of cultural attractions and performing arts venues. Negotiate, manage, and develop agreements for the provision of groundskeeping services at 10 proximate institutions. (20%)
Provide a safe campus environment through the oversight of the removal of snow, ice, leaves, fallen branches, other weather-generated debris, and trash from all university grounds and grounds of adjacent cultural organizations and where contracted to perform these services throughout University Circle. Advise the President and the President's Cabinet on the impact of weather events to campus operations. (20%)
Ensure that the university grounds are well kept, attractive, and safe by directing work assignments, directly supervising 2 landscape coordinators and 23 groundskeepers. Define and assign tasks, maintain schedules and standards, conduct performance review and administer disciplinary action. (20%)
Responsible for the department operating budget. Track the use of labor, material, supplies, contractors, and vendors to stay within the assigned $2.5 million operating budget. Control the equipment and materials inventory necessary for grounds maintenance. Determine the need for and manage $600,000 in annual contracted services and outside vendors. (20%)
Review proposed landscape designs and confer with design professionals and university personnel in order to approve proposed designs and plant selections. Projects will involve working with multiple university departments. Projects may also involve collaboration with other Institutions and stakeholders of University Circle and the City of Cleveland. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsible for 20 University fleet vehicles that support grounds maintenance operations. Ensure that they are maintained, repaired, and tagged. (5%)
Manage occupational and environmental safety for the department. Maintain a working knowledge of the federal and state regulations governing the use, control, storage, and disposal of federally regulated pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and other similar hazardous chemicals. (5%)
Enhance professional development. Maintain/ increase a knowledge of grounds maintenance and landscaping industry best practices by attending seminars, developing professional contacts, and attending training or courses. (<1%)
Perform other duties as assigned (<1%)
CONTACTS
Division: Daily interaction with the VP, AVPs, and other colleagues within the Campus Planning and Facilities Management division to maintain communication and provide updates on current operations. Daily contact with grounds maintenance staff to direct and manage work assignments and provide oversight. Frequent contact with other members of Facilities Services, Customer Service, Planning & Design, and Construction to maintain workflow.
University: Frequent contact with university administration at the President's Cabinet level to maintain the overall aesthetic of campus, to facilitate and promote joint action/cooperation to achieve immediate operating results, and to advise on the impact of weather events and potentially disruptive crowd events to campus operations.
External: Frequent contact with vendors, contractors, and adjacent institutions to negotiate contracts, coordinate activities, and/or make adjustments to operations.
Students: Occasional contact with students and student groups to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervise 3 landscape coordinators and 21 grounds workers.
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 10 years of demonstrated progressive experience in the management of grounds maintenance programs is required. 5+ years of demonstrated progressive experience in the leadership of grounds maintenance staff. Experience implementing and maintaining landscape designs under the direction of a licensed landscape architect is desired.
Education and/or licensing: A Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or related field is required. Valid Ohio driver's license free of significant violations.
REQUIRED SKILLS
A knowledge of landscaping, irrigation techniques, floriculture, arboriculture, and turf management.
Must be able to delegate responsibilities, develop an effective work force, promote teamwork, and provide general direction.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Willingness to lean and work with articial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is directly exposed to the following hazards in the work environment: animals, moving machinery, blood borne pathogens, chemicals, commercial cleaning solvents and oils, and confined space entry and / or restricted access, excessive noise, fumes, dust, pesticides or herbicides, radioactive materials, and repetitive motion. Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs. Must be able to pass a required physical examination.
Requirements
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 10 years of demonstrated progressive experience in the management of grounds maintenance programs is required. 5+ years of demonstrated progressive experience in the leadership of grounds maintenance staff. Experience implementing and maintaining landscape designs under the direction of a licensed landscape architect is desired.
Education and/or licensing: A Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or related field is required. Valid Ohio driver's license free of significant violations.
