Director Of Grounds

Director of Grounds

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Work type: Administrative & Professional

Senior management: VP Facilities

Department: Facilities Operations

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades

Job Description

The Director of Grounds at Virginia Tech is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for multiple teams dedicated to maintaining the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the university's outdoor spaces.

The Director will develop and implement comprehensive plans for the maintenance and enhancement of campus grounds, ensuring they remain safe, attractive, and functional year-round. The Director will also spearhead initiatives to enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces through landscaping, planting, and hardscaping projects. Specific areas of oversight will include: grounds operations, campus beautification, heavy equipment operations, urban forestry, and roadway maintenance. Additionally, the Director provides oversight and guidance to the University Landscape Architect, ensuring alignment with related strategic vision, goals, and standards.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Operations and may represent the division and/or Virginia Tech at scheduled events on and off campus. Evening and/or weekend responsibilities may be required during peak times. This position is designated as "Emergency Personnel".

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated and progressive knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscaping techniques, and urban forestry principles.

• Demonstrated and progressive leadership experience, including supervising and developing teams of professionals and contracted service providers.

• Knowledge of relevant regulations, codes, and standards related to grounds management, including safety, environmental, and accessibility requirements. Experience in ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, make decisions independently, and implement strategic initiatives.

• Detail-oriented, action-driven, and results-oriented mindset.

• Ability to travel to on and off-campus sites, with occasional overnight travel.

• This position is designated as "Emergency Personnel". Must be available twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week to provide support during planned, or emergency situations, inclement weather, or events to include being physically on site if deemed necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, business, engineering, or a related field.

• Relevant professional credential, certifications, or registration.

• Experience in a higher education setting.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Assetworks' AiM or similar maintenance management software.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$115,000

Review Date

June 17, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact HR at opsHR-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 31, 2024

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