Grounds Services Supervisor in Facility Services - Operations

The University of Windsor (the University or UWindsor) is a globally relevant, regionally focused University that welcomes over 16,000 students in a range of comprehensive and research-intensive graduate and undergraduate programs. The University consists of eight academic faculties, which include Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Human Kinetics; Education; Law; Engineering; Nursing; and Business. The UWindsor campus is home to a medical program offered by Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The University employs a passionate and dedicated faculty and staff, numbering approximately 2,500, of whom approximately 600 are tenured or tenure-track faculty. 

 

The University’s unique position on an international border between Canada and the United States has contributed to its identity as a diverse university community providing rich cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for faculty and students. The University is a key player in a wide range of distinctive industrial, entrepreneurial, and cultural activities throughout the City of Windsor and Essex County, and in an evolving network of international academic and industrial partnerships, particularly with leading American universities in Michigan. 

 

To provide leadership and to manage the overall operation of the Grounds Department to ensure that the grounds of the University, parking lots, walkways and other associated areas of responsibility are developed and maintained in a manner conducive to enhancing the University image and to provide a pleasant, clean, safe environment. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

 

o Lawn maintenance and development by recognized seasonal needs, and University designated programs and/or projects.

o Prepare and maintain flowerbeds and shrubs to maintain a pleasant campus setting in keeping with established horticultural practice and university-designated programs/projects.

o Maintenance of trees, roof top gardens, living walls and other specialty plantings on the University campus by scheduled program arises. To endeavour, by all reasonable means, to care for and preserve these items on campus and recognize them as a University resource.

o To develop, prepare, and maintain outdoor athletic and recreational facilities and make these facilities available as and when required by the University or community groups.

o In general, to develop and maintain all University grounds in accordance with recognized horticultural practice within the limitations of Budget allocations, and practicality of operation.

o Assign duties and provide oversight to staff, including those with specialized knowledge (i.e., horticulturalists)

o Build strong relationships with staff and service requestors to establish effective two-way communication regarding service levels, requirements, etc.

o Ensure effective communication and coordination of activities between Grounds team and other campus stakeholders

o Maintain all grounds equipment and ensure in good and safe repair

o Maintain and promote environmental programs, including organics / composting, to minimize waste through recycling and proper waste management

o Ensures employees are trained in identifying and dealing with potential hazards in safe work practices and aware of Health & Safety Regulations

o Accurately apply and enforce all terms of the Collective Agreement

 

• College Diploma or equivalent education in a related field

• Must have one (1) to three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in a Grounds Management leadership role preferably within a unionized environment

• Ability to supervise, lead and coach a large team where individuals work independently

• Knowledge and ability to consistently interpret current collective agreements

• Knowledge of applicable health & safety legislation (e.g. Occupational Health & Safety Act)

• Knowledge of best practices in Landscaping and Grounds services, non-hazardous waste reduction and environmental programs

• Knowledge of planning and management of living walls and specialty plantings

• Ability to instruct staff on a wide range of grounds/landscaping techniques and equipment for all campuses (i.e., main, downtown)

• Proficient with MS Office tools, database programs, work order / payroll / fleet management systems and other related programs.

• Must possess effective oral and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships

• Must hold and maintain a valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G).

• Ability to estimate costs and manage budgets

• Ability to manage projects as assigned

• Ability to take initiative use good judgement and creatively solve problems and find efficiencies to improve services

• Ability to maintain tact, diplomacy and confidentiality

• Knowledge of skilled trades and their functions in relation to completing grounds/landscaping

 

• Understanding snow and ice management

• Understanding of horticultural practices and techniques