Grounds Foreman Jobs

Job ID: 2321

The Grounds Foreman position requires the planning, supervision and performance of grounds upkeep and miscellaneous related repair, oversight of, and maintenance of grounds equipment. Daily organization of work flow, assisting with scheduling, and understanding of proper horticultural practices is required. Evening and weekend work will be scheduled throughout the year. All grounds positions are considered essential and are on 24 hour a day call out to provide needed services.

Schedule & Benefits: This is a full-time, year-round, day-shift position with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Specific work schedule(s) will be assigned/scheduled in consultation with the grounds manager. Evening and weekend work will be scheduled from time-to-time for special events such as graduation, alumni weekend, etc. All grounds positions are considered on-call essential personnel, for emergency repairs and snow removal, as needed. (Estimated time for on-call work generally amounts to a commitment of less than 5% of year-round work.) Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays, vacation (3 weeks per year) and sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, four-year residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; as well as pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. As part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. As the third largest city in the state, and along with neighboring Bethlehem and Easton, the region is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine.

Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with appropriate departments in advance of campus events requiring grounds support in use of athletic fields, or in preparing campus grounds for special events such as Commencement, Alumni Weekend, etc.
• Mow, trim, and edge lawns and beds as needed. Ability to judge the timing and manpower needed to complete the work is required.
• Assist with setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with Muhlenberg College’s plans and vision.
• Schedule and assign individual and group work assignments throughout the grounds department. Communicate with grounds staff regarding assignments as well us upcoming events.
• Pruning and thinning of shrubs, hedges and trees. Knowledge and experience with proper horticultural techniques is required.
• Conducts informal and formal counseling on work issues, prepares documentation and improvement plans for deficiencies, and recommends performance recognition and disciplinary action. Documentation of disciplinary action is part of this task.
• Maintain safe and healthy workplace by establishing and enforcing standards.
• Snow and ice removal using equipment ranging from shovels to front end loaders. Assign snow removal tasks based on Muhlenberg College’s priorities and policies.
• Obtain best price/delivery date and order materials as required. Follow established purchasing rules in the use of purchase orders. Keep track of outstanding material requisitions.
• This position is considered essential, and therefore the candidate must be available outside of work hours, if needed, for emergency repairs, snow removal, etc. (Estimated time for on-call work generally amounts to a commitment of less than 5% of year-round work.)
• May perform other duties as assigned.
• Control expenses by gathering and submitting budget information; monitor variances and correct if problems arise. Track and record inventory of landscape products.
• Grounds construction and repair, such as seeding of lawns, plant installation, and some hardscape.
• Instruct support staff in the proper and safe methods of grounds care, maintenance and clean up.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from the Grounds Manager or a designated supervisor.

Supervision Exercised: Operational and administrative supervision is exercised over approximately one (1) to twelve (12) employees. Candidate must be willing and able to communicate well and contribute to the overall team effort.

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of background checks, including but not limited to child abuse clearance, education, driving record, and national criminal background are also required.
• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is required.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Current PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide License in Cat 06 and Cat 07 is preferred.
• As part of the College’s sequential approach for the health and safety of our campus community, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire (absent an approved medical or religious exemption).
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and drug screening.
• Valid PA driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent carrying and/or lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Full use of all extremities
• Frequent bending/squatting and kneeling
• Constant walking and standing
• Occasional lifting of items over 50 pounds, up to 100 pounds

Work Environment: This opportunity involves a great deal of work outdoors year-round, in all types of weather conditions. Some evening and weekend hours may be scheduled to support campus events. All grounds employees will be on a rotating on-call schedule to provide needed services. Grounds employees are classified as essential personnel – reporting to work during weather emergencies is required.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

To apply, upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please combine all application materials into a single pdf if possible. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, please click here to be directed to our Career Portal.

An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg's commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.