Physical Plant Department Supervisor
The Physical Plant Department invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt position with benefits. Under general supervision, supervises groundskeepers performing manual labor duties in the maintenance of grounds and facilities.
Benefits: Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, paid leave (Non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year). Overtime, shift-differential and on-call pay (non-exempt positions only).
Responsibilities:
- Determines work priorities, plans, schedules, assigns and reviews work; trains subordinate personnel.
- Supervises grounds maintenance activities including cultivating, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing and/or pruning lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees.
- Directs the removal of trash and debris from assigned areas.
- Supervises and performs the removal of snow and ice from assigned areas using hand and power snow removal equipment. Spreads salt, sand and de-icers to prevent slipping.
- Prepares and maintains written reports and records.
- Ensures adequate supplies, materials and equipment are maintained in department.
- Ensures the operational readiness and safety of equipment such as mowers, tillers, sweepers, snow blowers, edger, shovels, and small vehicles.
- Performs routine assembly, cleaning and maintenance of equipment as needed.
- Assists in the maintenance of outdoor fields and athletic facilities; and
- Performs and demonstrates procedures for measuring, mixing, and applying fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals as instructed.
- Performs groundskeeper duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Three years in grounds keeping in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Note: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.
- Must be able to demonstrate ability to use grounds equipment correctly (snowplows, weed trimmers, zero turn mowers, back holes, skid steers, forklifts, and excavators, etc.)
- Must be computer literate and able to complete computer work independently.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- General knowledge of grounds maintenance practices; of the methods and techniques for cultivating, planting, mowing, and caring for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees.
- General knowledge of procedures for mixing and applying pesticides and other chemicals.
- Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation and proper care of assigned hand and power tools and equipment.
- Skilled in organizing and coordinating the grounds maintenance work.
- Skilled in providing guidance and instruction to groundskeepers.
- Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic calculations.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively.
- Ability to supervise and train groundskeepers.
- Ability to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned hand and power tools and equipment.
- Ability to perform work in, on, around, under and over trees, shrubs, buildings and facilities.
- Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet; to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting.
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.
Certifications:
- Must be certified by the State of Maryland as a pesticides and/or herbicides applicator within one year of hire.
- Must obtain Class B commercial driver's license within one year of hire.
Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a resume and the names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system.
