Grounds Manager

Facilities Management - Grounds

Job #553560

Close Date:
January 16th, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

The Facilities Management Grounds Manager is responsible for the oversight and management of all staff and operational activities associated with campus grounds, including both the main campus and housing areas.

• Provide day‑to‑day direct supervision, management, training, and leadership for all professional and student staff working in Housing and Academic Grounds areas
• Provide guidance related to grounds questions on irrigation, turf management, plantings, tree maintenance, and pest control
• Ensure the work management system accurately reflects activity in the grounds department and that the system is being utilized in a way that is consistent with other FM departments as well as FM goals/objectives
• Coordinate the ordering of all grounds‑related equipment and supplies/services
• Coordinate grounds‑related feedback and visioning from the Grounds team for new projects on campus via plan review and comment
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with the Director of Facilities Operations on all campus grounds related issues, including participation in campus committees and generating/supervising the execution of grounds co‑management agreements

• Demonstrated knowledge of turf management
• Demonstrated knowledge of local and exotic plant species
• Demonstrated knowledge of general tree and vegetation maintenance best practices
• Demonstrated knowledge of pest control measures
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in irrigation control
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in planting strategies for our local area in Humboldt County
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in the safe and effective maintenance and use of grounds equipment
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate labor resources in a small team (2-4 people)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Working knowledge of plan set organization for project review
• Ability to work harmoniously and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals

• California Driver’s License
• Minimum 5 years work experience in a grounds services setting completing similar duties as described
• Minimum 2 years work experience in a lead or supervisory role

• Demonstrated ability to use a computerized maintenance management system
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage/supervise the delivery of grounds‑related services in a larger team (4 or more people)
• Four‑year degree in related field from Accredited University/College
• Demonstrated ability to train new and existing members of the grounds team in grounds‑related best practices
• Knowledge of Cal Poly Humboldt’s campus exterior grounds

To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references

The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on January 16th 2026.

Any inquiries about this recruitment…