Duke University Job Description:
ASSIST DIR, GROUNDS (1834)


Job Title: ASSIST DIR, GROUNDS 

Job Code: 1834 

FLSA:

Job Level: 16 

Revised Date: 03/01/2012  

Job Family: JF 28 

Occupational Summary

The Assistant Director is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the comprehensive maintenance of 350 acres of campus landscape for Duke University and the Duke Health System. Responsible for the daily operations of all grounds staff including managing an on- site staff of Supervisors, Horticulturists, Landscape Specialists and Grounds Equipment Operators. Position works closely with other Duke Facilities Management staff and Duke entities as well as various governmental agencies in the daily operation and long term planning for the campus landscape.

Work Performed

Leads, plans and directs the operations of the Grounds division to provide high quality, efficient and effective services.

Provides direct leadership and coordination of services to ensure maximum efficiency in use of University resources.

Plans, develops and directs the implementation of approved campus landscaping and gardening projects. Ensures snow/ice removal throughout the University as needed.

Develops and implements a plan for the maintenance and repair of general and specialized grounds equipment and supplies.

Recommends the purchase of new equipment to upgrade and improve efficiency of grounds operations.

Maintain knowledge of industry literature and practice.

Investigates and arranges demonstrations of state of the art environmentally friendly equipment.

Reviews proposed landscape designs and confers with design professionals and other personnel regarding proposed designs and plant selections.

Provides professional and technical guidance on the selection, ordering, planting and maintenance of tress, plants, shrubs, ground cover and turf grasses.

Directs the landscaping of gardens and ceremonial spaces for special events and displays.

Represents Facilities Management in University committees and meetings, and to relevant external groups and individuals.

Participates in the analysis and definition of budgets and plans, both long and short term.

Develops procedures and leads process improvement efforts to continually improve service and quality, including regular solicitation of customer feedback to identify needs.

Supervises work in progress to ensure that appropriate horticultural methods, work schedules, safety and other work standards are being maintained.

Directs personnel issues including, but not limited to, hiring, firing, coaching, discipline, and resolving issues related to union contracts.

Develops grounds staff by identifying skills gaps, providing coaching and guidance, and conducting or overseeing the annual performance appraisal process.

Provides professional development opportunities for staff and leads in the implementation of comprehensive ongoing training (orientation, best practices, and safety) for employees.

Prepares reports on progress of all grounds division activities.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training:

Work requires knowledge of grounds keeping management, landscape design and landscape project management generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program in a related field.

 

Experience:

Ten years of progressive leadership experience in grounds management and administration in a large, complex organization with a diverse selection of plant materials.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

 

Skills:

N/A

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.