Grounds Supervisor

Location

Shangri La

4055 Papu Circle

Honolulu Hawaii

Reports to

Operations Manager

Status

Full Time, exempt

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Shangri La is a cultural campus located on a 5-acre oceanside property in Honolulu, anchored by its 14,000-square-foot museum and interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces designed for reflection, dialogue and gathering. Home to more than 4,500 works representing diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La operates as a center for cultures and ideas, leveraging its campus and collection to advance dialogue, creative practice and cross-cultural exchange.

Shangri La is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion.

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The Grounds Supervisor plays a central role in stewarding Shangri La’s vibrant 5-acre oceanfront site by overseeing the care and cultivation of its gardens, landscapes and hardscapes. Collaborating with the Operations team, the Grounds Supervisor ensures that outdoor areas are maintained to the highest standards of preservation, beauty and safety.

This position provides hands‑on leadership to the Grounds staff, coordinating daily work schedules and seasonal priorities, while supporting long‑term landscape restoration and enhancement goals. Through this work, the Grounds team helps advance the foundation’s mission by nurturing a dynamic cultural landscape that welcomes and inspires visitors, supports programmatic activities and reflects the natural and cultural significance of the site.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Grounds Supervisor at Shangri La, you will:

• Elevate and preserve the beauty, safety and functionality of Shangri La’s grounds.
• Ensure the health, beauty and integrity of gardens, plantings and hardscapes across the 5-acre oceanfront site.
• Diagnose and address plant health, irrigation and environmental conditions to sustain a thriving landscape.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing grounds team.
• Supervise daily operations, set clear priorities and ensure consistently high‑quality work.
• Coach, train and support staff growth while fostering accountability and strong team culture.
• Champion operational excellence in grounds management.
• Plan and execute daily, seasonal and long‑term maintenance and restoration efforts, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement across the site.
• Oversee equipment, materials and work practices to ensure efficiency, safety and compliance.
• Ensure seamless cross‑functional collaboration.
• Collaborate across teams to prepare for events, special projects and visitor engagement.
• Contribute to restoration and capital improvement initiatives that enhance the center’s impact.
• Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

• Landscape Industry Certified Technician (formerly known as CLT) preferred.
• High school graduate or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Proficient in plant identification, irrigation systems, soil management, pest/disease control and hardscape maintenance.
• Experience supervising or mentoring team members and promoting safe work practices.
• Skilled in using landscaping tools, equipment and vehicles.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to give and follow instructions.
• Computer literacy, including comfort with Microsoft Suite, with a willingness to adopt new technology,…