Director of Horticultural Services R

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

Under direction of the Grounds Superintendent, the Associate Grounds Superintendent reports directly, trains and supervises the operational and personnel activities of the Grounds Department within the Physical Plant. The professional assists in leadership of landscape design, planning, maintenance, construction, irrigation, disease identification and treatment in turf/plants/trees, pest control, budget preparation, bid specification and personnel management, including training and daily supervision.

Plans, directs, manages, and leads the overall operation of the grounds department to maintain a safe and attractive landscape including assigning, training and evaluating work for grounds areas owned or operated by the University.

This position works with all areas of the campus in campus design and maintenance to ensure compliance with the University Landscape Master Plan and University Facility Masterplan. This requires regular communication with the University leadership team, esthetics committee and contract designers.

• Ensure that all State and Federal regulations are followed regarding but not limited to use of pesticides, herbicides, waste collection and employee safety.
• Communicate with administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
• Maintain a broad knowledge of State Civil Service policies and regulations including attendance, overtime, promotion and discipline.
• Recruit, interview and manage staff per State and University policies.
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the University regarding assigned functions; participate in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs as requested.
• Work with the University Community and the City Solid Waste Department regarding pick‑up of waste, placement of solid waste receptacles, recycling efforts and scheduling.
• Serve in a leadership role of the Physical Plant and is required to share in call‑out duty and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain athletic fields and ensure that they meet conference and NCAA requirements. The Grounds Department assists in pre‑game and post‑game facility preparation and clean‑up.
• Oversee campus grounds and ensure that the campus esthetics are maintained and monitor the campus to ensure that all details of the campus appearance reflect the mission and image of the campus.
• Ensure that outdoor waste receptacles are emptied and that University property is well‑maintained, clean and presents the University in a positive light.
• Procure supplies and materials following State and University policies and procedures.

• Preferred education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Agricultural Science.
• Preferred is 5 years related experience in landscape maintenance, pest management and three years supervising a grounds maintenance staff.
• Ability to obtain a Louisiana Pesticide Applicators License within six months of employment. Must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Louisiana and possess an acceptable driving record.

• Methods and techniques of grounds maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Safety and accident prevention practices.
• Horticulture and landscape maintenance.
• Operate vehicles including pickup trucks, tractors, forklift, mowers, and other landscape equipment; towing trailers and the safe loading of trailers; snow removal equipment including snow plows.
• Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting.
• Ability to supervise and implement a comprehensive grounds maintenance program.
• Assist in preparing and administering a budget.
• Assign work and supervise assigned staff.
• Monitor the work and prepare/present performance evaluations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of work and project performed.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals, whether members of the public or…