Title: Director Grounds & Special Events
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: Facilities Management
Department: Grounds and Events
Work
Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job
Summary
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Facilities Management, the Director of Grounds, Special
Projects and Events manages, plans, and leads personnel, financial, operational, and outreach activities of the University Grounds Services
Department encompassing landscape, construction services, waste management and moving services for the main UMass Amherst campus and
satellite locations.
Essential Functions
Strategic Planning and Department Leadership:
Develops annual
budget for the continued operation and enhancement of service. Prepare annual Spending Plan in accordance with approved programs and
approved funding targets. Administer financial activities in accordance with agreed parameters.
Provide strategic leadership in
capital planning, representing grounds department needs. Promotes a forward-thinking approach to landscape design, maintenance, operations,
and other landscaping techniques.
Implements approved programs consistent with budget and goals in the areas of landscape
maintenance, hardscape construction and repair, waste/recycling management, moving services, surplus property, pest control and small engine
repair.
Responsible for developing and implementing maintenance and operating standards to meet the needs of the campus community,
including researching and adopting best available technology opportunities.
Oversees enhancement of all campus grounds to preserve
and maintain the campus as a teaching, demonstration, and research source for the University faculty, staff, and students.
Develops
short and long-range plans for programs, equipment, and facilities to provide the efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable
departmental programs.
Leads sustainable planning, low maintenance and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces by use of
sustainable planting, permeable pavers, reduction of salt usage, conservation of water, use of alternative fueled equipment and vehicles,
increasing recycling, reducing trash, and identifying new trash diversion options.
Supervision and Workforce
Management:
Manage department workforce and contractors, including planning, training, prioritizing, scheduling and oversee quality
control of the grounds services department.
Enforces safe work practices and oversees the proper handling and use of hazardous
materials in compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations within the Grounds Services department.
Provides clear
communication, maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality, and cultivates a staff culture rooted in collaboration, civility,
adaptability, and professionalism.
Addresses workplace concerns in collaboration with the Human Resources, Labor Relations, and
bargaining unit staff to resolve personnel matters. Act, as needed, by participating in grievance investigations and second step grievance
hearing officer.
Ensures deployment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and analytic data to optimize departmental
productivity.
Identifies student internships and employment opportunities. Collaborates with UMass Amherst faculty for department
enhancements.
Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.
Projects and
Events:
Oversees the removal of snow and ice from campus roads, walkways, building entries, and parking lots to ensure accessible and
safe campus in the winter months, and recommends University closing or delays to the Director.
Coordinates Grounds projects with the
Design & Construction and Campus Planning staff to maximize effectiveness, develop maintainable and sustainable standards, enhance customer
service, and minimize disruptions to the campus community and surrounding neighborhoods.
Participates in and supports Campus
Sustainability initiatives, including student-led projects.
Oversees utilization of business systems and applications to ensure
effective use of the CMMS and other advanced software to manage resources, prepare reports, presentation and other communications utilizing,
GIS, In-Vision, CMMS, etc.
Routinely meets with campus customers to determine their needs and to ensure follow through and quality
assurance.
Serves as a point of contact for Facilities & Campus Services in supporting events on campus. This includes, among other
things, coordination of services and logistics for major events such as Commencement, Football Games, Founders Day, Student Move Out, and
Student Move In.
Reviews and approves the campus Land Use requests.
Other Functions
Receives guidance
and goals from the Executive Director of Facilities Management, however, the incumbent works independently and consults with the Executive
Director when clarifications or interpretations of University policies are required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree.
Six (6) years’ progressively responsible management experience,
including at least three (3) years’ experience in facilities management, landscape operations, waste management, construction services or
related field.
Willing to work outside of normal working hours during weather emergencies or other job-related
situations.
Demonstrated ability to organize a large number of activities effectively within an institutional setting, communicate
clearly and effectively orally and in writing, work well with people at both technical and non-technical levels, and function effectively
with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a unionized
environment.
Experience working in higher education.
Working knowledge of relevant policies, codes and best practices
including but not limited to ADA compliance and federal, state, and commercial building codes.
Active involvement in related
professional association(s).
Additional Details
This position is designated as on call and essential
personnel.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves
lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low
postures.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm
Salary
Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 32
Click here to view the
Professional Staff Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please
submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for
three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective
bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
early.
