Grounds Supervisor
Grounds Supervisor
This position leads the Authority’s grounds program and develops long-range grounds plans. The Grounds Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the Grounds Department, establishing schedules and performing expert Grounds functions contributing to a safe, healthy and attractive living environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Supervises Grounds staff to ensure strict compliance with program guidelines in grounds maintenance, exterior facilities preventative maintenance, back flow and irrigation system maintenance, fleet management, snow plowing and ice removal, weed and pest management, and routing/scheduling assignments.
- Coordinates with Development Manager and Maintenance Manager on long range landscape planning and small maintenance projects including roof/gutter cleaning, gutter/downspout repair, fencing repairs, pressure washing, storm drain cleaning, equipment maintenance and irrigation system repair and maintenance.
- Monitors and dispatches snow plowing and ice removal.
- Ability to operate grounds machinery and equipment necessary in the performance of grounds maintenance functions for the purpose of directing and supporting staff. Performs troubleshooting/diagnosis of equipment. Assesses repairs and service needs.
- Performs inspection of grounds to assure quality control.
- Oversees service and vendor contracts including but not limited to all service contracts for properties in which BHA serves as the managing member or general partner for the ownership entity.
- Coordinates and performs quality control functions for Asset Management and REAC, UPCS, and HQS Inspections related to grounds.
- Fields resident and community complaints related to the Grounds Department.
- Develops and manages budget and goal-planning for department. Sets long-range department goals, prepares short-term tactical plans to accomplish goals, and develops/implements policies and procedures. Develops, administers and monitors operations and capital budgets. Serves as technical advisor to management team in matters concerning grounds management.
- Oversees day-to-day supervision of staff, conducts staff meetings, establishes work performance standards, creates and manages effective staffing schedules, conducts performance evaluations, and facilitates work and safety training opportunities to ensure Authority’s compliance with best industry safety practices.
- Coordinates with Maintenance Manager to develop and oversee ongoing centralized inventory system of fleet vehicles, equipment and materials for agency. Oversees bid process for grounds, grounds related service contracts and performs grounds inventory control.
- Requisitions replacement parts and supplies inventories.
- Directs, trains and supports agency irrigation and pruning needs.
- Plans and ensures team is properly trained and is current on necessary certifications.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Performs special projects as may be assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
This position works at various Housing Authority properties. Work is performed both indoors and on the grounds. The incumbent is exposed to grounds/maintenance related hazards and inclement weather. The incumbent must be equally adept at working in an administrative office environment utilizing office equipment such as computers and related software and peripheries, and in operations and grounds settings involving specialized tools and equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs on a routine basis and 75 lbs with assistance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of current OSHA and WISHA laws and other safety regulations.
- Experience in using a variety of grounds equipment including one-ton pickup and trailer, commercial lawn mower, edger, weed eater, blower, thatcher, aerator, leaf vacuum, fertilizer applicator, chipper, snow blower, chain saw, hedge trimmer, snowplow, ice melt and pesticide applicator.
- Strong understanding landscape and grounds systems best practices.
- Skilled in planning and scheduling, directing and supervising, budgeting and project accounting, effective communications, motivation, and maintaining effective controls.
- Working understanding of rental management, accounting practices, and personnel management.
- Knowledge of procurement and contract administration procedures and processes in a public housing environment (includes on-going service contracts for goods and services).
- Ability to conduct short-term and long-term capital needs assessments and recommendations.
- Working knowledge of Uniform Physical Conditions Standards, Housing Quality Standards, and REAC Inspection protocols related to facility exteriors and grounds. Knowledge of standard landscape, irrigation and weed/pesticide practices. Ability to read as-built property documents to locate keys systems.
- Knowledge of landscaping and plant care to include application of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer sprays.
- Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management practices.
- Knowledge of storm water and retention pond management.
- Ability to communicate with various groups and individuals in a variety of difficult conditions and circumstances in support of the housing authority’s mission and goals.
Education and Experience
- Education: Associates degree or technical certificate in horticulture or related field.
- Experience: Five years of work experience in all areas of grounds and plant care. Two years in supervisory capacity, managing schedules, budgets and quality control.
- Licenses or Certificates
- Valid Washington State Driver's License (within 30 days of employment) and an acceptable driving record (according to BHA standards)
- Must obtain State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries Basic First Aid Card and CPR certification within one year of employment.
- Must obtain irrigation tech certification within 12 months of employment.
- Must obtain WSDA pesticide public operator license within 6 months of employment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Physical
Ability to drive to sites; lift grounds maintenance equipment; perform repetitive, heavy labor and skilled grounds maintenance functions; walk, stand, climb, crawl, stoop, and negotiate tight or awkward spaces for purposes of troubleshooting and inspection.
Mental
Ability to balance multiple priorities while supervising employees, contractors and technical resources and ensuring maximum curb appeal and timely response to unplanned and emergency needs. Ability to analyze complex landscape issues and determine solutions. Ability to work effectively with the general public and governmental agencies is essential.
THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER