Groundskeeping Manager

Job Summary

The Groundskeeping Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all landscape and grounds maintenance activities to ensure the property presents a safe, attractive, and well-maintained environment. This role provides strategic direction to the grounds team, develops landscaping plans, manages resources and budgets, and ensures all work is completed to the highest quality and safety standards.
A successful Groundskeeping Manager understands that leadership extends beyond performing the work themselves. Like a coach guiding a team from the sidelines, they develop their employees, provide clear direction, remove obstacles, and create an environment where the team can consistently deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

•    Lead, supervise, and develop groundskeeping personnel.
•    Provide daily direction, coaching, and performance feedback to team members.
•    Conduct training on landscaping techniques, equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.
•    Establish clear expectations and hold employees accountable for performance and conduct.
•    Foster a positive team culture focused on safety, professionalism, customer service, and continuous improvement.
•    Plan staffing levels and work schedules to meet operational requirements.

Landscape Planning & Property Enhancement

•    Develop and execute seasonal landscaping plans and enhancement projects.
•    Evaluate grounds conditions and identify opportunities to improve appearance, functionality, and sustainability.
•    Plan and coordinate planting schedules for trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf areas.
•    Create annual maintenance strategies that align with property objectives and budget requirements.
•    Recommend improvements to irrigation systems, landscape design, plant health, and overall curb appeal.

Grounds Maintenance Operations

•    Oversee mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, planting, mulching, weed control, fertilization, irrigation, and seasonal cleanup activities.
•    Ensure all grounds are maintained to established appearance and quality standards.
•    Coordinate snow and ice removal activities when applicable.
•    Monitor work quality through regular inspections and corrective action plans.
•    Prioritize work orders and maintenance activities based on property needs.

Safety & Compliance

•    Promote a strong safety culture through training, inspections, and safe work practices.
•    Ensure compliance with all company, client, and regulatory safety requirements.
•    Conduct routine safety meetings and document training activities.
•    Investigate incidents and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
•    Maintain proper handling, storage, and application of chemicals and landscaping products.

Equipment & Resource Management

•    Oversee the maintenance, repair, and replacement of groundskeeping equipment.
•    Ensure equipment inspections are completed and documented.
•    Manage inventory levels for tools, supplies, fertilizers, chemicals, and landscaping materials.
•    Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to procure necessary materials and services.

Additional Qualifications

Budget & Administrative Responsibilities

•    Develop and manage operating budgets for grounds maintenance activities.
•    Monitor labor, equipment, and material costs to ensure efficient use of resources.
•    Track project progress and provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.
•    Maintain records related to maintenance activities, inspections, training, and expenditures.

Qualifications

•    Minimum 3-5 years of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience.
•    Minimum 2 years of management experience preferred.
•    Strong knowledge of turf management, horticulture, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance practices.
•    Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
•    Experience planning and managing multiple projects and priorities.
•    Strong communication and organizational abilities.
•    Proficiency with basic computer applications and work order systems.
•    Valid driver's license required.

Core Competencies

•    Leadership & Coaching
•    Team Development
•    Strategic Planning
•    Landscape & Horticultural Knowledge
•    Budget Management
•    Quality Assurance
•    Customer Service
•    Problem Solving
•    Safety Leadership
•    Resource Management

Success Profile
A high-performing Groundskeeping Manager acts as a coach rather than simply a worker. While they may occasionally assist in the field, their primary responsibility is to develop their team, provide clear direction, monitor performance, allocate resources effectively, and ensure the grounds consistently reflect the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism.