Manager Arboretum​/Grounds

Location: Berrien Springs

GROUNDS - Manager Arboretum/Grounds

Job Classification

Salaried Administrative

Position summary

This position oversees the Office of the Arboretum through management, maintenance, and enhancement of the university's arboretum and surrounding landscaped areas. This includes managing daily operations, supervising staff, managing budgets, and aesthetic quality of plant collections and grounds. Additionally, snow and ice removal for sidewalks, and building entries is a key responsibility.

Qualifications summary

This position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in botany, horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture, or related field.

The position requires established expertise in horticulture, arboriculture, irrigation systems, snow and ice removal, and sustainable landscape practices. Additional preferred experience in personnel and budget management.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Operations & Grounds Management

* Oversee daily operations of the arboretum, including scheduling, workflow coordination, and quality control.

* Maintain lawns, gardens, natural areas, and curated plant collections to high horticultural standards.

* Develop and implement seasonal maintenance plans, including mowing, pruning, mulching, and snow removal.

* Lead and coordinate snow and ice removal operations, including plowing, salting, de-icing, and ensuring safe access to sidewalks, and building entrances.

* Routinely monitor weather conditions and proactively deploy staff and resources for timely snow and ice response.

* Ensure compliance with university policies, environmental regulations, and safety standards.

* Serve on committees as assigned, including event committees (such as Graduation Committee, Arboretum Council) and facility committees.

* Being available through rotating schedule after hours for campus Grounds-type emergencies

Personnel Management

* Supervise, train, and evaluate all employees including full-time staff, part-time employees, and student workers.

* Develop work schedules, assign tasks, and monitor productivity and performance.

* Promote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

* Coordinate training programs related to equipment use, safety procedures, horticultural practices, and snow/ice operations.

Irrigation Management

* Design, operate, maintain, and repair irrigation systems across the arboretum.

* Monitor water usage and implement water conservation strategies as needed.

* Troubleshoot system issues and oversee upgrades or expansions.

Tree Care & Arboriculture

* Plan and oversee tree planting, pruning, removal, and risk assessment.

* Maintain tree inventory and health records.

* Implement best practices in arboriculture to ensure long-term vitality and safety.

Planting & Landscape Development

* Plan and execute annual and seasonal planting displays.

* Select appropriate plant materials based on climate, soil conditions, and design goals.

Plant Health Care & Pest Management

* Diagnose plant health issues and implement treatment plans.

* Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in accordance with regulations and integrated pest management (IPM) principles.

* Maintain accurate records of chemical applications and ensure proper licensing.

Project Management

* Plan, coordinate, and oversee landscape improvement and capital projects.

* Manage timelines, budgets, contractors, and materials.

* Collaborate with campus departments, designers, and external vendors.

Equipment & Fleet Management

* Oversee maintenance, repair, and inventory of Grounds equipment and vehicles, including snow removal equipment.

* Ensure proper usage, storage, and safety compliance.

* Evaluate and recommend equipment purchases or replacements.

Purchasing & Budget Management

* Develop and manage annual operating and project budgets.

* Monitor expenditures and ensure cost-effective use of resources.

* Procure plants, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with university policies.

* Prepare financial reports and forecasts.

Supervisory responsibilities

Leading in personnel decisions (selection, hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, etc.)

Leading in office decisions (scope of work, equipment, supplies, etc.)

Providing employee development and mentorship.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In addition to the subsections below:

* Ability to rely on experience, training and judgment to execute policies and procedures.

* Ability to work cohesively in a team-oriented environment.

* Advance communication and customer service skills with the faculty, staff, students, and contractors to resolve conflicts or respond to requests for assistance.

* Advanced proficiency in English speaking and writing skills.

* Experiences in leadership and management preferred.

* Must function well while under stress and deadlines.

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