Director, Landscape & Grounds Services (Project Management)

Join Facilities Management at the University of Oklahoma and be part of a team dedicated to meeting the University's ever-changing needs. Located within Facilities Management, Landscape and Grounds Services maintains over 3,000 acres of campus lawns, gardens, and grounds. The Director of Landscape and Grounds Services will be responsible for providing customer-oriented leadership and overseeing overall operation, administration, and performance of the landscape and grounds functions for Facilities Management.

Duties:

• Supervises employees in assigned functional areas of responsibility, to include responsibility for recommending changes in organizational structure, hiring, training, evaluating, and conducting positive discipline.
• Coordinates activities in assigned functional areas, establishing quantitative and qualitative work production standards, striving for continual quality improvement by developing plans for system improvements and optimization of personnel and equipment.
• Oversees quality assurance including personnel responsible for landscape and grounds inspections.
• Meets with landscape and grounds leadership to coordinate work activities, discuss projects, and issues that need to be resolved. 
• Makes budget recommendations to Associate Vice President and ensures functional areas operate within established budgets.
• Develops and maintains a training program for employees within assigned functional area to instruct them in the safe and proper use of supplies and equipment.
• Executes special projects, researching and analyzing data, writing reports, and making recommendations to the Associate Vice President
• Responsible for creating the design plans for campus landscape and grounds beautification.
• Inspects completed landscaping to ensure conformance to specifications and standards. 
• Establishes and enforces operating and safety procedures are followed to ensure performance and personnel safety.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: High School Diploma or GED, AND: 

•  60 months experience in landscape, plus 24 months in a supervisory capacity

Skills:

• Ability to speak, read and write clear, concise English
• Basic math skills
• Basic computer skills
• Read and understand complex written materials such as blueprints, metrics or technical manuals
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated decision-making skills.
• Thorough knowledge of plant materials and landscaping including sustainable landscaping techniques.
• Must be able to perform basic data analysis
• Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Must have strong ability to lead teams
• Must be able to create and deliver effective training presentations

Certifications: 

• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License in order to drive University vehicles or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire date

Physical Requirements:

• Working with, and supervising people
• Making decisions based upon research and study
• Sitting for prolonged periods
• Crawling, climbing ladders and stairs, and bending when necessary
• Repetitive hand and wrist use
• Occasional exposure to severe weather
• Exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and extreme temperatures
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• May be designated as an essential position during emergency closures.
• May be required to remain on campus overnight during weather or other emergencies.

Departmental Preferences: 

• Associate's Degree in Landscape Design, Pre-Landscape Architecture/Construction, or related field

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.