Position Summary

This position will be responsible for the daily and long term decision making regarding the management, budgeting, planning, and execution of the grounds care operations at the Kellogg Biological Station facilities. Provide supervision, leadership, and coordination of landscape crews to complete maintenance projects, and training in all areas of materials, tool and equipment usage, utilizing cutting edge landscape industry horticultural methods to care for hard scape surfaces (sidewalks and roadways), fence lines, turf areas, station signage, solid waste and recycling programs, tree and landscape plantings care, natural and managed prairie fields, and woodlots; determine vendors through MSU bidding procedures, acquiring quotes, inspecting contractor work areas and processing invoice payments; communicate effectively via email/iPad/iPhone; maintain electronic and paper records on materials and equipment used by Infrastructure, Planning, and Facilities employees, faculty conducting research projects, and contractors performing services for MSU; research and recommend the purchase of new or improved tools, equipment, and methods for landscape maintenance; conduct equipment and tool safety training to ensure the safety of the staff, customers, and visitors; interview, hire, and train all assigned personnel; Participate in the snow removal plan as a snow supervisor or operator to clear snow whenever needed throughout the winter season and during other storm/emergency weather related events. The position will also perform the full range of duties of the employees they supervise.

This position is located in Hickory Corners which is located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Michigan (about 65 miles from MSU’s main campus in East Lansing).

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Urban Forestry, Turf Maintenance and/or Landscape Horticulture Maintenance with course work in Personnel Management; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in landscape maintenance, pesticide application, equipment operation, plant identification and management; possession of the valid vehicle license; possession of valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certifications – Ornamental (3B), Turf (3A), and Right of Way (6); knowledge of word processing and database software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Desired Qualifications

5+ years of experience as a foreman or supervisor of full-time and seasonal staff, and a successful track record of leading landscape maintenance crews; 5+ years of experience operating mowers, tractors, sprayers and articulated loaders; 5+ years of experience conducting daily work plans, tool and equipment training, and conducting employee reviews; experience with Microsoft Office Suite products; experience with a work order management program; Ability to coach and lead employees to be successful, create an environment of teamwork and dedication, and support a culture of high performing customer service; experience and knowledge of facilities operations management structure, processes, and procedures.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

This position is located in Hickory Corners, MI (about 65 miles from MSU’s main campus).

Work Hours

Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm and may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work. During peak workloads, overtime may be necessary.

Website

www.kbs.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

This position performs work requiring the ability to exert 25 pounds or more and is physically intensive.

Summary of Health Risks

Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical certification; wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort); work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas; operate a fork truck, tractor, or top-running overhead crane.

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