Manager – Grounds and Landscaping

Warren Wilson College invites applications for a Manager of Grounds and Landscaping to lead the care and design of our campus greenspaces. This role blends ecological stewardship with student mentorship, supporting the College’s commitment to sustainability and experiential learning.

Reporting to the Director of Facilities Management and Technical Services, the Manager oversees campus plantings using ecological design principles, manages turf and hardscapes, coordinates seasonal cleanup, leads inclement weather response, and develops long-term landscaping plans. The position also includes preventive maintenance planning and identifying opportunities to advance sustainability through daily operations.

In collaboration with the Assistant Manager, the Manager supervises and trains a student work crew of 30 to 40 individuals with varying skill levels. This includes scheduling, performance guidance, and hands-on instruction that integrates learning, service, and meaningful work.

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical and supervisory skills, a passion for ecological landscaping, and a commitment to mentoring students in a living-learning environment. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and help shape a campus that reflects our values, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the College and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes how your previous experience will contribute to the role, the Progressive Promise, and the mission of Warren Wilson College.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their materials by Wednesday, June 24, 2026. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware no relocation assistance is available for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three years of grounds maintenance/landscape design experience.
• Two years in leadership/supervisory capacity.
• Valid NC driver’s license.
• Knowledge of ecological landscaping practices.
• North Carolina pesticide application license (can be obtained upon hire).
• Demonstrated ability with interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
• Evidence of the ability to work with a wide range of students to teach necessary skills and offer positive reinforcement and feedback.
• Demonstrated ability or certifications to operate heavy equipment.
• Evidence of acquired mechanical skills related to maintenance and repair of tractors and small engine equipment.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with people from all backgrounds and perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in ecological landscape design.
• Professional Grounds Management Society certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees grounds maintenance and landscaping projects which involve the design and maintenance of all campus plantings using ecological landscape design principles.
• Turf management of campus lawn maintenance other than athletic fields.
• Leaf and litter removal.
• Hardscape design and maintenance.
• Leads inclement weather response in partnership with Public Safety, and the Director of FMTS.
• Develops and updates a campus grounds and landscaping plan with input from the Director FMTS and consideration of other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintains communication with Maintenance, Housekeeping and Public Safety in regards to the intersection of grounds maintenance and landscaping with those functional areas.
• Collaborates with the WPO on the selection and recruitment of student crew members, and provides orientation and training for all student workers to support their professional and educational development.
• Creates, maintains and monitors student work schedules and timecards.
• Guide students through the learning and performance goals and evaluations process in a timely manner.
• Under the direction of the Director FMTS, manages a designated operational budget, work budget and identifies specific areas for growth and equipment needs.
• Identifies and prioritizes opportunities to promote sustainability through department operations.
• Develops a preventive maintenance program that includes training needs, procedures, tool & equipment needs, parts needs, and supporting documentation.
• Develops ways to integrate work, service and academic learning into the crew members’ curriculum.
• Attend WPO supervisor orientations and retreats, and collaborate with the staff of the WPO to problem solve any student crew issues that may arise.
• Performs other duties as needed to fulfill the College’s mission of work, service and academics.

Our mission: Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.