We're Hiring!

Title: Grounds Zone Supervisor

Position Type: Fulltime Staff

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 02R003 - Facilities Management

Division: 4R3000 - Campus Operations

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Driver

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Schedule Type:  Full Time (40 hrs per week or more)

Hours Per Week: 40

Additional Schedule Details:

Posted Salary Grade: Non-Exempt - G18

Retirement:   KERS 

Contact Person: Kyle Willis

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Supervisor of Ground Zone is a working foreperson responsible for the completion of assigned grounds maintenance and operational tasks both individually and through direct reports and includes the performance of various tasks as required to maintain a high level of care inside the assigned zone.

This position will also be responsible for the oversight of the Elmwood Mansion which includes but not limited to the upkeep of the grounds and will also assist in set up for events held at the mansion

This position will also oversee the daily operations of the greenhouse, such as planting, watering, pruning, transplanting, fertilizing and pest control. Monitor and maintain the efficient flow of the overall greenhouse operation with safety and customer service.
Inspect plant material for diseases and insect problems. Ensure that the plants have the proper light levels, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. Record data and maintain records for future reference. Oversee that campus landscape beds are maintained.
Keep greenhouse organized and stocked with the proper equipment to get the job done in a safe and timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, agronomy, or related program is required.

Experience: One year of related experience is required

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

The incumbent must have a working knowledge of grounds maintenance and leadership and will have a responsibility to maintain the grounds in the assigned geographic zone to the required standards. The work will be accomplished through adherence to established guidelines from the Director of Buildings & Grounds Maintenance.

Leadership-Management-Relationship with Superiors – provides direction, focus, guidance, support, prioritization and oversight for supervisory staff and technicians; implements new and/or enforces existing programs, policies, processes and procedures that result in high levels of efficiency, performance, and effectiveness; keeps superior(s) informed; is responsive to directives from superiors; supports the unit, department, and institutional goals and mission.

Continuous Improvement – promotes continuous improvement through lean programming; expects a high level of participation throughout all employees; expects employees to develop and submit continuous improvement ideas on a regular basis; establishes a culture seeking improved service levels with the same or fewer resources.

Daily Management – ensures safety is a top priority and directs the work of the unit. Establishes work priority and organizational structure to operate in the most efficient and effective manner.

Quality Control – maintains a frequent presence in the field providing guidance and feedback to staff and contractors on the quality and performance of the work. Establishes regular inspection process enabling front-line supervision to provide frequent and consistent guidance on desired quality of work.

Design and Construction – coordinates with University Engineering & Construction and Planning & Design units, and senior leadership for renovation and new projects. Works closely with project managers in the development and review of project designs and specifications related to new or renovated capital improvement projects related to the unit.

Leadership-Management-Relationship with Superiors – provides direction, focus, guidance, support, prioritization and oversight for supervisory staff and technicians; implements new and/or enforces existing programs, policies, processes and procedures that result in high levels of efficiency, performance, and effectiveness; keeps superior(s) informed; is responsive to directives from superiors; supports the unit, department, and institutional goals and mission.

Continuous Improvement – promotes continuous improvement through lean programming; expects a high level of participation throughout all employees; expects employees to develop and submit continuous improvement ideas on a regular basis; establishes a culture seeking improved service levels with the same or fewer resources.


Daily Management – ensures safety is a top priority and directs the work of the unit. Establishes work priority and organizational structure to operate in the most efficient and effective manner.

Quality Control – maintains a frequent presence in the field providing guidance and feedback to staff and contractors on the quality and performance of the work. Establishes regular inspection process enabling front-line supervision to provide frequent and consistent guidance on desired quality of work.

Design and Construction – coordinates with University Engineering & Construction and Planning & Design units, and senior leadership for renovation and new projects. Works closely with project managers in the development and review of project designs and specifications related to new or renovated capital improvement projects related to the unit.

Personnel Function – enforces institutional policies; holds subordinates accountable for effectiveness and efficiency; screens job applicants; makes hiring recommendations; participates in administration of discipline.

Job Duties:

• 30% - Overall responsibility to ensure proper maintenance of all grounds in areas in assigned to maintain service level standards at all times. - (Essential)
• 35% - Oversight of the Elmwood Mansion and Grounds - (Essential)
• 35% - Oversee the daily operations of the Greenhouse - (Essential)

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Institutional

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions:

AA/EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory background check.