Grounds Supervisor

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist- Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.

Position Summary:

The Grounds Supervisor is responsible for leading, coordinating, and participating in the care, maintenance, and repair of campus grounds, irrigation systems, walkways, parking areas, and related equipment. This position manages staff, coordinates landscape projects, ensures timely and high-quality work, and fills in for staff when needed. The Grounds Supervisor also directs all snow removal efforts for campus sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways.

Essential Functions:

Supervision & Scheduling

• Supervise and schedule grounds staff, mechanic, and student workers (2-4 during the year and 4-6 during the summer).
• Hire, evaluate work performance, and recommend retention or termination of employees.
• Train employees on safe and proper use of equipment, tools, and materials.
• Complete annual performance evaluations and submit reports to HR.

Grounds Maintenance & Operations

• Develop, implement, and maintain a cohesive landscaping plan following the campus landscape master plan.
• Schedule, and document grounds work including mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, spraying, seeding, aeration, and pest control.
• Provide training to staff by demonstrating proper use of equipment and materials and the performance of specific tasks to meet quality standards.
• Ensure that all grounds care is performed with all safety and applicable regulations taken into consideration.  Inspect all grounds care operations to ensure quality control.
• Maintain accurate records of chemical use, maintenance activities, and inspections.
• Oversee outdoor trash removal, bike racks, outdoor seating, and litter control.
• Direct all snow removal/salting operations, utilizing an external contractor for drives and parking lots, and grounds staff for sidewalks.
• Maintain and install campus signage in compliance with the Master Plan.
• Oversee care of off-campus properties (Witmer Woods, College Cabin, WGCS tower, student housing).
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of drives and parking lots; recommend long-term preventive maintenance.
• Work with coaches and the athletic director to ensure proper maintenance of athletic fields and track. (Mowing, trimming, aerating, fertilizing, rolling, etc.) 
• Assist other physical plant staff as needed.

Administration & Budget

• Improve maintenance procedures to ensure maximum return on investment of all equipment, machines, and inventory.
• Prepare purchase orders and justification for grounds materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Coordinate landscaping and other grounds projects by preparing rough sketches, schedules and estimates of the staff, materials, equipment and supplies needed to accomplish the project.
• Assist in the selection of grounds contractors and monitor their work to ensure completion according to contract specifications.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual Budget for the grounds department operational costs, equipment, supplies, and student personal budget. 
• Collaborate with appropriate departments across campus in advance for special campus events.
• Work with the Director of Facilities in establishing priorities and making purchases.

Technical Expertise

• Hold and maintain certification for chemical applications.
• Safely apply fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
• Implement proper methods for planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.
• Assist with controlled prairie burns on campus.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Supervise 1 full-time groundskeeper
• 1 part-time mechanic
• 6-8 student workers
• Seasonal temporary staff

Education and Experience: 

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Two years of related college experience or 5 years work experience with increasing responsibilities and supervisory responsibilities.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Current Indiana certification for application and storage of fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

Skills & Competencies:

REQUIRED:

• Ability to train and supervise staff effectively.
• Knowledge of safe operation of hand tools and power equipment (mowers, tractors, trimmers, saws, pressure washers, etc.).
• Knowledge of horticulture, irrigation, and chemical application.
• Ability to plan work assignments and set priorities.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply oral and written instructions and labels.
• Strong recordkeeping and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn the operation of grounds-related equipment, including mowers, tractors, PTO driven attachments, chain saws, edgers, trimmers, etc.

PREFERRED:

• Ability to communicate in Spanish.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work varied shifts and irregular hours – including nights and weekends – during inclement weather and emergencies.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods outdoors in all weather.
• Ability to bend, stoop, twist, and lift up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to drive campus vehicles (trucks, vans, utility carts, tractor, mowers, etc).
• Ability to safely use respiratory protection equipment.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA regulations and ability to enforce compliance.

Work Environment/Environmental Condition:

All essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. Duties and responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and may be adjusted as needed. Significant changes will trigger review for reclassification.

How to Apply

Application materials may be attached to the Professional Staff & Staff Application or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu. Goshen College will not be sponsoring candidates for this position.

Required:

• Complete the online Professional Staff & Staff Application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• A list of 3 professional references and their contact information.

E-Verify Statement of Participation

Goshen College participates in E-Verify. If you are hired, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Goshen College.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. As a religious institution, Goshen College expressly reserves its rights, its understandings of, and its commitments to the historic Anabaptist identity and the teachings of Mennonite Church USA, and reserves the legal right to hire and employ individuals who support the values of the college. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

About Goshen College

Goshen College is a nationally-ranked college and Hispanic-Serving Institution in Indiana renowned for its distinctive hands-on, real-world educational opportunities, and its commitment to creating positive change in the community and the world. The college offers over 65 undergraduate areas of study; as well as best-in-class graduate programs in nursing, business administration, social work and environmental education. This caring, safe and diverse campus prides itself on providing excellent academic programs that connect arts with sciences, and theory with practice — exposing students to multiple perspectives and encouraging them to think deeply, live creatively and lead purposefully. The college is located in the City of Goshen in the heart of Elkhart County, within several hours of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit. Residents of Goshen enjoy a culturally diverse small-town atmosphere with an active arts community, a vibrant and entrepreneurial downtown, the Maple City Greenway network of bicycle paths and affordable housing prices. Learn more at goodofgoshen.com.

Contact HR

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795
E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111