Warren Wilson College welcomes applications for the Manager, Grounds and Landscaping position. The individual in this role manages campus greenspaces and maintains the appearance of the core campus area using ecologic landscape design practices, under the direction of the Dean and Director of The Center for Working Lands. We are seeking a dynamic leader interested in mentoring undergraduates in horticulture and sustainable landscape design while imparting a professional work ethic that students can carry through to career opportunities. The Manager of Grounds and Landscaping, in collaboration with their direct report, the Assistant Manager of Grounds and Landscaping is responsible for the supervision and training of a work crew of 30-40 students at various skill levels.
Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the college, and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter, which includes experience working with a diverse range of identities and experiences including, but not limited to, previous DEI training or initiatives.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 9, 2024. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware that no relocation assistance is available for this position.
Our mission:
Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
To fulfill this mission, the College, through its Strategic Imperative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of all people—particularly those populations who have been both historically oppressed and continue to experience systemic oppression. As we value the breadth of diversity necessary for a rich campus culture, we also recognize the particular challenge and opportunity for growth and leadership around race, noting that such a focus necessarily intersects with deepening efforts around other aspects of identity (such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, and worldview). We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support a culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (e.g., people of African, Latiné, Indigenous, and/or Asian descent) and individuals who have experience working with diverse populations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental studies or related field.
- Five years of grounds maintenance/landscape design experience.
- One year in leadership/supervisory capacity.
- Valid NC driver’s license.
- Knowledge of ecological landscaping practices.
- North Carolina pesticide application license (can be obtained upon hire).
- Demonstrated ability of interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
- Evidence of the ability to work with a wide range of students to teach necessary skills and offer positive reinforcement and feedback.
- Demonstrated ability or certifications to operate heavy equipment.
- Evidence of acquired mechanical skills related to maintenance and repair of tractors and small engine equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in ecological landscape design.
- ISA certification.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversees grounds maintenance and landscaping projects which involve the design and maintenance of all campus plantings using ecological landscape design principles.
- Partners with appropriate faculty and staff to engage students in the mission of The Center for Working Lands.
- Turf management of campus lawn maintenance other than athletic fields.
- Leaf and litter removal.
- Hardscape design and maintenance.
- Develops and updates a campus grounds and landscaping plan with input from the Dean and Director of The Center for Working Lands and consideration of other relevant stakeholders.
- Maintains communication with Facilities Management and Public Safety in regards to the intersection of grounds maintenance and landscaping with those areas.
- Collaborates with the WPO on the selection and recruitment of student crew members, and provides orientation and training for all student workers to support their professional and educational development.
- Creates, maintains and monitors student work schedules and timecards.
- Guide students through the learning and performance goals and evaluations process in a timely manner.
- Under the direction of the Dean and Director of the Center for Working Lands, manages a designated operational budget, work budget and identifies specific areas for growth and equipment needs.
- Identifies and prioritizes opportunities to promote sustainability through department operations.
- Develops a preventive maintenance program that includes training needs, procedures, tool & equipment needs, parts needs, and supporting documentation.
- Develops ways to integrate work, service and academic learning into the crew members’ curriculum.
- Attend WPO supervisor orientations and retreats, and collaborate with the staff of the WPO to problem solve any student crew issues that may arise.
- Performs other duties as needed to fulfill the College’s mission of work, service and academics.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.