Manager – Landscape and Grounds

The Manager of Groundskeeping is responsible for overseeing all aspects of campus grounds maintenance, landscaping, irrigation systems, and exterior aesthetics for UT Health San Antonio. This leadership role requires strategic planning, personnel management, vendor coordination, and the execution of high-quality grounds services to support the safety, beauty, and sustainability of campus environments.

• Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures.  
• Balances time, resources and quality requirements to achieve business goals.  
• Conveys information clearly and concisely in written and spoken communication.  
• Ability to lead projects or work groups, creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows.  
• Manages competing demands in a changing work environment; able to anticipate and work around delays or unexpected events.  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.  
• Ability to fill any role required in the grounds keeping maintenance function. 

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree degree is required.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Texas Department of Agriculture non-commercial pesticide applicator license is required.
• Valid TX Driver's License is required - must have a clear driving record. 

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Has the authority to direct the work of others, hire or fire employees, or provide recommendations as to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change of status of other employee.

PREFERRED:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture
• Current and valid Texas Irrigator License is highly preferred.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Experience in a higher education, healthcare, or large institutional setting.
• Experience with computerized irrigation systems and landscape design software.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

1. Plans, directs, and manages campus-wide groundskeeping operations, including turf management, tree care, flowerbeds, seasonal planting, and irrigation systems.
2. Leads, supervises, and evaluates a team of groundskeeping personnel, providing coaching, training, and professional development to ensure high standards of service and compliance.
3. Develops short- and long-term plans for grounds and landscape improvements in coordination with Facilities Planning and senior leadership.
4. Manages procurement of materials, equipment, and supplies for grounds and irrigation projects, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery.
5. Coordinates and oversees all grounds-related contractor activities, including landscaping services, irrigation installations, tree trimming/removal, and chemical applications.
6. Ensures compliance with all relevant safety standards, environmental regulations, and university policies related to groundskeeping and chemical usage.
7. Oversees work order management, ensuring timely response, customer satisfaction, and efficient use of labor and materials.
8. Provides expert input on landscape design and campus beautification initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and regional climate adaptation.
9. Manages emergency response activities related to grounds, including snow/ice removal, storm damage cleanup, and site hazard mitigation.
10. Maintains documentation and reporting related to equipment maintenance, pesticide applications, irrigation controls, and grounds performance metrics.
11. Leads the selection and maintenance of groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, utility vehicles, sprayers, and irrigation controls.
12. Collaborates with university departments, external contractors, and vendors to ensure coordinated and professional results across all outdoor environments.
13. Performs inspections and quality assurance checks to ensure all work meets university standards for appearance, safety, and functionality.
14. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and respect within the Grounds team.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.