PAY GRADE: 33E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Director of Landscape Services reports to the Associate Vice President of FREAS and independently manages the operations of the Landscape Services Department.

The Director’s primary responsibilities are to develop and implement strategies, plan and practices which ensure the University’s campus grounds, landscape and exterior facilities are functional, safe and attractive, and support the University’s national image of excellence.

The Director provides both general and specific instructions to the assistant director(s), manager(s), or landscape architect who directs the design, construction and maintenance of the campus landscape, and lead the in-house staff and contractors. In addition, the unit is responsible for the management of the university waste removal, recycling services, snow removal, and the maintenance and repair of the sidewalks, plazas, benches, monuments and other site amenities.

The maintenance and appearance of the campus landscape and grounds are a critical factor in the recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As the university’s subject matter expert, provide independent leadership and management of the overall departmental operations which includes budget responsibility of $5,000,000 and 36 full time staff. Provide direction to the assistant director(s), manager(s), or landscape architect, who manage the daily operations and trades staff.
•  Develop and ensure adherence to appropriate landscape maintenance standards and schedules for all aspects of landscape and grounds maintenance, maximizing the effectiveness of the resources allocated.
• Direct (or serving as) the campus landscape architect, provide oversight and consistency in campus landscape architecture and adherence with the University design standards.
• Develop long-term strategic plans and master plans for the campus landscape and its renewal.
• Develop priorities for campus site improvements and allocate significant landscape endowment funds. Partner with the University Development to promote additional gifts to the landscape endowment portfolio.
• Contract for, or collaborate with PPD, the construction of new campus landscapes, hardscapes or related renovations and renewals. Reviews and monitors all site plans, landscape designs and paving installation/repair proposals and specifications being performed by others
• Maintain and update the landscape related sections of the University Design Guidelines.
• Direct emergency operations for weather related events such as snow removal, ice mitigation and severe storm impacts that have a direct impact on the continuous operations of the university.
• Maintain communication with the Directors of FREAS departments, Planning and Project Delivery and key stakeholders such as Athletics, Admissions, Dining Services, Residential Life, Facilities Planning and Construction to ensure the needs of these units are met.
• Direct the maintenance of athletic sports fields to NCAA and professional standards for student athlete safety and performance. Support special activities such as commencement, convocations, alumni and admissions events that have a significant impact on the success and image of the University.
• Prepare reports, strategic plans, white papers, financial projections and justifications in support of personnel changes, proposals and/or projects as needed.
• Manage the University's solid waste program and maximizes the effectiveness of the University recycling program.
• Exercise administrative and technical expertise to manage financial resources, solve technical challenges and resolve personnel issues in leading the unit in execution of its responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a horticulture-related field with a minimum of seven years of effective management experience in a landscape design, construction or management environment are required.
• A minimum of four years of experience directly supervising and/or managing hourly trades staff is required. Experience supervising a unionized workforce is preferred.
• Relevant certifications in the field, such as CEFP, CSFM, CGM, are preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication and supervisory skills.
• Effective leadership, administrative, planning and budgeting skills.
• Customer service oriented, a team player and able to communicate appropriately with customers, staff members and peers in a professional manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment to gather, manage and impart information to various internal and external audiences.
• Strong organization and planning skills, and effective project management skills.
• Outstanding oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate orally and in writing with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to work independently and with attention to detail, creatively solve problems, and manage multiple priorities.