Grounds Supervisor

Job Description

Indian River State College is seeking a dedicated and experienced Grounds Supervisor to lead campus grounds operations and help ensure our campuses remain welcoming spaces for students, employees, and visitors.

In this hands-on role, you will supervise and mentor grounds staff while overseeing landscaping, irrigation systems, turf management, ornamental plant care, pesticide application, and general grounds maintenance.

You will play a key role in maintaining the appearance, functionality, and safety of the College grounds, coordinating special projects, managing equipment and supplies, and collaborating with vendors and campus partners.

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable and motivated with experience in landscape and grounds maintenance, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to teamwork, safety, and excellence. If you take pride in creating attractive outdoor spaces and enjoy leading others while making a visible impact on your community, we encourage you to apply and grow your career with Indian River State College.

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region.

At The River, we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring.

With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.

Why Join The River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer

We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage
• Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts
• Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways

JOB SUMMARY:

Under administrative supervision, this position oversees grounds and maintenance operations for the College at assigned location(s). Responsibilities include training, leading, and supervising assigned employees; ensuring the proper maintenance, appearance, and safety of College grounds and outdoor facilities; coordinating and overseeing landscaping activities; and supporting the safe, efficient, and effective operation of campus facilities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Trains and leads grounds employees to work both as a unit as well as independently; approves time off and time worked; and initiates and closes work orders.
• Oversees maintenance of a College campus and surrounding area through mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and spraying; prunes grasses and ornamental plants and trees; and adjusts irrigation sprinklers and systems as needed.
• Applies pesticides as needed.
• Performs general grounds maintenance duties as may be necessary.
• Makes sure equipment is working properly; orders supplies as needed; and maintains inventory.
• Designs and installs landscapes.
• Works with and schedules vendors for special projects.
• Maintains records on equipment and grounds maintenance.
• Resolves daily problems.
• Ensures a safe working environment.
• Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree (preferably in horticulture); five (5) years of related experience in lawn and grounds care maintenance in a leadership position with supervisory responsibilities of leading and directing other employees; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Possess CORE certification (pass the General Standards Certification Exam) plus Ornamental certification.
• Knowledge of operating, maintaining. and adjusting the various types of equipment used in the lawn maintenance industry.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in mowing, trimming, and pruning of ornamental plants and trees.
• Knowledge of pesticides/fertilizers and calibrating and applying pesticides correctly as according to labels.
• Skill in safely operating, maintaining, and adjusting the various types of equipment used in the lawn maintenance industry.
• Skill in working with Microsoft Office and Windows based applications.
• Ability to operate, repair, and adjust irrigation sprinklers and systems.
• Ability to be flexible, use initiative, be efficient, work independently as well as with others, and be self-motivated.
• Ability to identify plants and trees and be able to recognize plant diseases and problems related to landscaping.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as medium work involving lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position.  This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.

Classification

Staff

Supervisory

Yes

FLSA Exempt

Yes

Employment Type

Regular

Compensation and Application Deadline

Pay range starts at: $52,244.30 | All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on candidate's education and experience | Open until filled.