Grounds Foreman - Facilities, Planning, and Management

Grounds Foreman

(Facilities Services Buildings and Grounds Assistant 3 - MR03)

Facilities, Planning, and Management

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Grounds Foreman provides direction and participates in the design, planning, preparation, development, and care of specialty landscape areas. This includes duties in the area of irrigation systems, tree cultivation and pruning, maintenance planning and execution for specialized turf areas including athletic fields. Some participation in other grounds maintenance activities is required and includes care of lawn and parking areas, snow and ice removal, and participating in other landscaping projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises and participates in the performance of specialized tasks associated with horticulture (non-turf) areas which includes design, planning, preparation, planting, care of ornamental flower and shrub beds, trees, and special plant collections
• Prunes, shapes, and cares for flowers, shrubs, and trees in accordance with proper principles
• Maintains and operated irrigation systems
• Operates and utilizes specialized landscaping equipment in the performance of various landscaping tasks, especially those related to horticultural activities which could include operation, maintenance and repair of tractors, loaders, sprayers, mowers, tillers, cutters, blowers, grass trimmers, aerifiers, and vacuum machines
• Applies chemicals and fertilizers to specifications, including the use of herbicides, fungicides, soil fumigants, growth retardants, and insecticides
• Stores, maintains, mixes, and applies agricultural and commercial chemicals in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Cleans and maintains lawns, streets, walks, parking areas, catch basins, etc.
• Performs other related duties as directed to include snow and ice removal
• Assists in cultivation and maintenance of specialized athletic and recreational turf areas on campus

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Ability to perform supervisory duties
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Familiar with planting and pruning techniques for ornamental cultivation
• Familiar with operation of required tools including mowers, backhoe, grass trimmers, pruners, chainsaws, and edgers
• Familiar with the layout, installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems

Review of applications will begin September 30, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received bythis datewill receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Typically requires a high school diploma and six months of experience in general horticulture techniques, including planning and cultivation of ornamental plant collections, and experience in the maintenance of specialized turf areas, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Must have a valid drivers license.

Must have ability to obtain a Category 3 pest management certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Vocational or technical training and three years of experience in horticulture or related field, experience in grounds development and care of similar size, scope, and scale in an institutional or higher education setting are preferred.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.