Grounds Operations Assistant

High Point University is seeking a hands-on and field-oriented professional to support the day-to-day operation of the University’s grounds maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, seasonal color, campus beautification, and outdoor event readiness programs. This position works directly alongside Grounds staff, Campus Enhancement partners, including the Budd Group, contractors, vendors, and campus departments to help maintain a safe, attractive, and show-ready campus environment at all times.

Serving as a working field representative of the Director of Grounds, the position spends the majority of the workday in the field inspecting campus conditions, assisting with maintenance activities, monitoring work in progress, identifying deficiencies, and helping resolve grounds-related issues. The role also performs and assists with hands-on grounds maintenance activities, including pruning, planting, mulching, irrigation repairs, seasonal color installation, debris removal, storm cleanup, herbicide application, and general campus beautification.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining the high standards of appearance and safety expected across the High Point University campus.

QUALIFICATION

Education

• Associate's degree required;
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience and Training

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping operations, horticulture, facilities operations, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating work crews, contractors, vendors, or service providers preferred.    Hands-on experience with irrigation systems, landscape maintenance, turf care, seasonal color programs, or athletic field support preferred.
• Experience operating commercial grounds maintenance equipment, utility vehicles, hand tools, power equipment, and other equipment commonly associated with landscape and grounds maintenance.
• Experience supporting special events, campus operations, or customer-facing service environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Strong working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscape management, irrigation systems, turf care, hardscape maintenance, seasonal planting programs and general horticulture practices.
• Demonstrates ability to perform physically demanding work and remain productive in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate, inspect, and perform basic preventative maintenance on grounds maintenance equipment and identify equipment requiring repair or service.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to recognize areas that do not meet University standards.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and maintain strong ethical standards consistent with University policy.
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate numerous activities with tight timelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized work management systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Understanding safety procedures, equipment use, and regulatory requirements associated with grounds operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reports to the field each day prepared to actively participate in and support the University's grounds maintenance operations.

• Assists the Director of Grounds in developing and executing daily work priorities for Grounds staff and contracted maintenance teams.

• Performs hands-on inspections of campus grounds each day, identifying areas requiring attention and taking immediate corrective action when appropriate.

• Field monitors campus conditions and coordinates corrective action to keep the campus show ready for students, families, guests, events, and University leadership

• Assists with outdoor event support including grounds readiness, tents, outdoor furnishings, staging support signage placement, barricades, trash support, and post-event cleanup coordination.

• Tracks and resolves work requests service calls, inspections, and project progress through the University work management systems.

• Monitors and works with contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to assure quality work, competitive cost, appropriate scheduling, and timely delivery of grounds-related services.   Assists with irrigation system monitoring, troubleshooting coordination, repair scheduling, and preventative maintenance activities.

• Actively supports storm response, snow and ice response, emergency preparedness, and recovery operations as required

• Works collaboratively with Campus Enhancement, Facility Operations, Security, Athletics, University Events, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and other departments to ensure campus readiness-

• Assists with equipment procurement, small tool inventory, fleet coordination, safety checks, and operational supply management for grounds operations.

• Maintains positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, co-workers, vendors, and managers.

• Maintains a professional image and represents the University positively in all interactions.   Other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Supports efficient use of labor' equipment, materials, supplies, and contracted services associated with grounds operations.
• Assists the Director of Grounds with managing operating budgets, project expenditures, purchasing documentation, invoices, and cost tracking as assigned.
• Ensures field work is performed in accordance with University standards, safety practices, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Promotes accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and campus pride within daily grounds operations.

For more information about this position, please contact Matthew Mahoney, Director of Grounds at [email protected]