Director of Campus Grounds

Description

At Westminster College, we believe in immersive and enriching experiences that inspire creative thinking and problem solving. We believe in creating opportunities for several different paths to success over a lifetime and the potential to make an impact from wherever you are. For our students, we do this by providing real-world, hands‑on learning opportunities, small class sizes, and talented professors dedicated to the individual.

Our employees often remark that our tight‑knit community creates an atmosphere fostering campus involvement that adapts to all interests. As a result, Westminster continues to be recognized for its excellence in higher education as one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.

The Director of Campus Grounds is responsible for maintaining the beauty, safety, functionality, and overall appearance of the college's campus grounds. This position serves as the primary individual responsible for landscape maintenance, tree care coordination, seasonal grounds projects, and outdoor facility upkeep. The Director oversees contracted services for lawn mowing, snow removal, and other specialized grounds services while ensuring campus grounds consistently reflect the College's standards for safety, appearance, and environmental stewardship.

As a member of the Plant Operations team, the Director collaborates closely with the Director of Plant Operations and maintenance staff to support campus operations. During periods when outdoor work is limited due to seasonal weather conditions, the position assists with interior maintenance and facilities‑related projects as assigned.

The Director of Campus Grounds is a key contributor to the overall appearance and functionality of the campus environment. Success in this role requires a commitment to service, attention to detail, environmental stewardship, and collaboration with colleagues across the institution to support the mission and goals of the College.

Requirements

Essential Functions:

The statements below are intended to describe the principal duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Grounds and Landscape Maintenance

• Maintain the appearance, health, and safety of all campus grounds, including landscaped beds, trees, shrubs, walkways, parking lots, courtyards, gathering spaces, and other outdoor areas.
• Develop and implement seasonal landscaping and grounds improvement plans.
• Perform or coordinate planting, pruning, mulching, fertilization, watering, weed control, and other horticultural activities.
• Monitor and maintain the health and appearance of campus trees and coordinate tree trimming, removal, replacement, and related services.
• Inspect campus grounds regularly and identify maintenance, safety, and beautification needs.
• Maintain campus irrigation systems and perform basic repairs and adjustments as needed.
• Prepare campus grounds for admissions events, commencement, alumni functions, and other special events.
• Recommend and implement campus beautification initiatives that enhance the appearance and attractiveness of the campus environment.

Contract and Vendor Coordination

• Serve as the primary institutional contact for contracted mowing, snow removal, landscaping, tree care, and other grounds‑related services.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure services are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with College expectations.
• Conduct regular inspections of completed work and address quality concerns with vendors.
• Assist with the development of service specifications, contractor selection processes, and contract administration.
• Coordinate contractor schedules to minimize disruption to campus operations and…