Assistant Director of Grounds and Landscaping Services
About Us:
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking an Assistant Director of Grounds and Landscaping Services.
The Assistant Director of Grounds and Landscaping Services will provide administrative and leadership direction in overseeing and maintaining all operational functions of the grounds section of Facilities. Responsible for property upkeep and improvements on more than 200 acres. Responsibility for safety, efficiency, and productivity of all grounds employees. Oversight of grounds care equipment, irrigation systems, landscaping, interior plantings, and building exteriors. Responsible for contracts for supplemental work.
Major Responsibilities
-
Directs and supervises in a professional manner all activities of Grounds and Landscape Services to include employees and contractors. Major activities include landscaping, irrigation systems, tree maintenance & planting, interior plantings, equipment repair, building exteriors (pressure washing, cobweb removal, etc.), facility litter and trash removal.
-
Develops comprehensive landscape and maintenance plans, including planting schedules, irrigation systems, building exterior maintenance, and pest management strategies, aligned with the Pennington Biomedical’s aesthetic vision.
-
Develops and implements long and short-range schedules/plans/goals, along with proposed budgeting and staffing needs, for continuous operation, inspection, improvement, and maintenance of facility grounds.
-
Implement and oversee daily landscape maintenance schedule of activities such as mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, planting, pruning, watering, and debris removal. Implement proper fertilization and irrigation practices to optimize plant growth and health.
-
Evaluates equipment needs and determines proper level of repairs and maintenance. Leads a “safety first” work culture by ensuring correct use of PPE and compliance with safety codes, OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory agencies.
-
Communicates and meets with PBRC stakeholders as needed to define and prioritize ground’s maintenance needs. Responds quickly to requests and concerns to address/mitigate/provide professional assistance for specific and general issues.
-
Perform quality control inspections in all disciplines to assure that a high level of service and quality work is being provided daily.
-
Identify/receive projects and work needed or as directed.
-
Prepares, develops, and provides reports on grounds activities for Facility Services’ management to keep staff informed of projects.
-
Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be measured to ensure requirements are met or exceeded in accordance with established procedures and processes and hold team members accountable.
-
Conduct individual performance evaluations, and develop and administer training programs to ensure employees are in compliance with departmental procedures and operating equipment.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
-
Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, landscape management, horticulture, agronomy, or related field.
-
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in grounds management, horticulture, plant and soil science, or related field.
-
Two (2) or more years of direct supervisory experience and/or working with or managing a group of employees.
-
One (1) year of project management experience (contracts, purchase orders, specifications, etc.).
-
Lawn maintenance and landscape equipment knowledge.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Master's degree in landscape architecture, landscape management, horticulture, agronomy, or related field.
-
Certification from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).
-
Five (5) or more years of increasing responsibility in a setting similar to PBRC in size (220 acres) and scope of care.
-
Two (2) or more years of experience in a public, park, municipality grounds care or a university setting.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Job Description:
Due to the nature of this position and/or position responsibilities this position shall be subject to drug/alcohol testing in accordance with PBRC Policy 512.00.
This position is considered essential and may be required to report or stay on campus in the event of an emergency or closure.
Ability to work in all weather conditions, ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for long periods of time, squat, kneel, and reach overhead.
Occasional need to work beyond normal business hours.
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and SAME Agency:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. PBRC and LSU are also designated as a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials. For those seeking such accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management at hrm@pbrc.edu.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.