Grounds Maintenance Supervisor

About the job

Job Summary / Basic Function

Supervise and work alongside Equipment Operators and Semi-Skilled Laborers in maintaining the University’s 585-acre campus, ensuring a functional operation and continuous campus beautification.

Turf Maintenance

• Mowing

• String trimming

• Herbicide spraying

• Aerating

• Turf repair

• Assisting with athletic field maintenance

• Maintaining the University’s cross-country course

• Maintaining and securing the University Police shooting range

Flower and Mulch Beds

• Ordering mulch, stone, and flowers

• Shaping landscape beds and mulching around trees

• Weed control in landscape beds

• Maintaining memorial tree areas

• Maintaining flower beds throughout the growing season

Tree and Shrub Maintenance

• Planting new trees

• Pruning and trimming

• Tree removal and stump grinding

• Leaf collection

Road, Parking Lot, and Sidewalk Maintenance

• Patching potholes

• Cleaning catch basins

• Operating power brooms

• Assisting with concrete work

• Placing and maintaining campus signage

Winter Maintenance

• Snow and ice control on sidewalks, ramps, steps, roads, and parking lots

• Ordering and maintaining salt, anti-skid material, and ice melt inventory

• Transporting excess snow as needed to maintain campus safety

• Assisting with snow and ice removal at the Dome

• Responding to winter call-ins

• Specialized snow removal on AstroTurf fields

• Removing benches, picnic tables, and bike racks for winter operations

• Installing snow plow markers throughout campus

Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance

• Perform preventative maintenance on all Grounds vehicles and equipment, excluding man lifts

• Complete approximately 65% of repairs in-house, resulting in significant annual cost savings

• Maintain inventory of filters, lights, fluids, and other expendable parts

• Perform repairs and services for other Facilities trades and fleet vehicles when time permits

• Maintain service records and equipment histories

• Develop specifications for equipment replacement

• Schedule state inspections

Commonwealth House and Alumni House

• Complete maintenance of grounds, including turf, trees, shrubs, landscape beds, flowers, and snow removal

Event Setups and Moves

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing special events

• Provide materials and manpower for events, including:

• Presidential inaugurations

• Commencements

• University auctions

• Banquets

• Athletic events

• Concerts

• Summer camps

• Homecoming

• Open houses

• Move faculty offices, including personal and University property, upon request

• Arrange office furniture

• Provide transportation support for the Council of Trustees

• Install event signage and barricades as needed

• Assist students during move-in and move-out periods

Trash Removal and Waste Management

• Police campus grounds for litter

• Empty outdoor trash receptacles

• Provide daily trash collection at all buildings

• Coordinate compactor, dumpster, and recycling collections

Building Demolition

• Clear out buildings scheduled for demolition

• Perform demolition work as assigned

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage departmental credit card accounts

• Maintain multiple business purchase orders

• Complete employee evaluations

• Prepare daily workloads and assignments to maximize efficiency

• Create and assign work orders

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions in the operation and repair of vehicular mechanical systems. • Knowledge of maintenance and repair requirements and procedures regarding vehicular mechanical systems. • Knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnostic practices and equipment used to diagnose and correct defects for a wide variety of vehicular mechanical systems. • Knowledge of general recordkeeping practices. • Ability to interpret and follow instructions. • Ability to communicate effectively orally. • Ability to communicate effectively in writing. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum of Education / TrainingRequired Education Summary

• Four years of journey level mechanical experience in the diagnosis and repair of automobiles, heavy trucks, or construction equipment; or • An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Preferred Qualifications

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania driver’s license of the class appropriate to the vehicle operated and supplemented by the endorsements required by law for the operation of specific equipment or equivalent.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Inspection Mechanic Certification for the class of vehicles used.

• Certain positions require possession of an active CFC-12 Refrigerant Recycling Certificate, a 134A Refrigerant Recycling Certificate, or a Compressed Natural Gas Certificate.

• Certain positions require 1 year of experience or training in the repair or maintenance of diesel engines.

Diversity Statement

PennWest University’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement (CORE) provides strategic leadership in fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, belonging, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff. Through comprehensive programs and collaborative partnerships, CORE advances student success, cultivates academic and leadership development, and strengthens community engagement in alignment with the university’s mission.

ADA Statement

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, ADA Coordinator, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.