Supervisor, Grounds

Mount Royal University

  • Calgary, AB
  • $70,841-89,646 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 21 days ago
Job TitleSupervisor, GroundsJob TypePermanentUnionMRSAPosition ClassificationSPH08 Physical Services VIIISalary Grade$70,841.00 - $89,646.00FT or PTFull-timeHybrid WorkThis position is ineligiblePosition End Date (if applicable)LocationMRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)About this PositionAbout the Department of Facilities ManagementMount Royal University's Facilities Management department is responsible for the planning, development, construction, design, operation, maintenance, safety, security and stewardship of all the buildings, infrastructure, sites and services within Mount Royal's campus community. Through efficient and environmentally sustainable operation, we offer grounds, custodial, building operations, facilities planning, security services and engineering professional services to provide a physical environment that supports and enhances our academic space for students and staff. Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing customer service excellence. Our staff respond to daily service requests and emergency/ priority situations as needed.About the RoleReporting to the Manager, Grounds, the Supervisor Grounds provides leadership, coordination, and direction to a team of Groundskeepers to ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor University Campus environment.This position works 7hrs/day during weekday hours, and involves hands-on grounds maintenance.ResponsibilitiesResponsibility 1 (40%): Grounds Operations
  • Provides leadership, coordination and direction to Groundskeepers.
  • Coordinates turf grass maintenance: ensuring uniform color and height while applying horticultural practices by fertilizing, aerating, dethatching, top dressing, sodding, seeding, and weed control.
  • Maintains the health and appearance of all landscaped areas including removing invasive species, fertilizing, watering and applying pesticides.
  • Practices proper horticultural techniques to care for trees, shrubs, turf, and flowers.
  • Supervises designs and maintenance of annual flower/perennial bed plans in the spring and plants bulbs in the fall.
  • Supervises annual planting of trees/shrubs and supports shaping, training and removal.
  • Supervises major fall leaf removal operations.
  • Adheres to compliance with occupational health and safety (OH&S) codes.
  • Assists the Manager with reviewing reports, data trends and statistics for continuous improvement opportunities and to proactively plan and adjust groundskeeping activities.
  • Assists the Manager to monitor groundskeeping performance and implements processes, procedures and methods to improve results in all key functional areas.
  • Responds to emergencies or requests from the university for any groundskeeping support.
Responsibility 2 (40%): Administration and Staffing
  • Daily assignment/direction of work requests.
  • Responsible for ensuring work requests are prioritized and managed daily.
  • Monitors staff quality of work.
  • Communicates updates to staff.
  • Mentors and coach staff.
  • Liaises with management daily.
  • Assists with the recruitment process (selection committee).
  • Contributes to performance evaluations of staff.
  • Responsible for approving staff time sheets.
  • Responsible for reviewing staff leave requests.
  • Responsible for training and orientation of new and existing staff.
Responsibility 3 (10%): Collaboration and Support
  • Collaborates with and supports other facilities management resources, supervisors and management to encourage a continuous improvement and team building culture.
  • Collaborates with and supports Irrigation Specialist to develop and manage watering programs for all plantings.
  • Acts as a lead role assisting the Manager during times of absence due to leave to maintain business continuity.
  • Schedules, supports, coordinates and provides direction as required to contractors to perform contracted services.
  • Supervises, supports (hands-on) and adheres to MRU's snow removal program.
  • Applies sand, gravel and deicer to maintain safe surfaces (refer to Equipment List).
  • Installs, maintains and dismantles snow fences as required for seasonal weather management.
Responsibility 4 (10%): Equipment Operation
  • Supervises, maintains and operates a range of grounds equipment.
  • Supervises riding, hand-held and push-type equipment for seasonal tasks (refer to Equipment List).
Qualifications
  • 3-5 years' experience working in a similar role.
  • Two-Year Diploma from a University or Equivalent or Journeyman Ticket.
  • A broad and diverse knowledge base is essential to understand the complex horticultural and irrigation systems utilized at the University.
  • Must have a clear understanding of job expectations and possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • A self-starter who is highly motivated and capable of managing responsibilities proactively.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently carry out daily tasks that involve problem-solving, scheduling, and the safe and effective use of chemicals, fertilizers and specialized equipment.
  • Understanding of plant biology and physiology to support proper horticultural practices and plant health management.
  • Awareness of the effects and timing of cultural practices such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, irrigation and aerating.
  • Ability to calculate solution concentrations for pesticide and fertilizer applications.
  • Proficiency in calibrating equipment including sprayers and spreaders to ensure accurate and safe material application.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and safe, reliable driving skills.
  • Well-developed organizational abilities and effective instructional/leadership skills.
  • Physically fit and able to perform demanding outdoor work in various conditions.
  • Flexible availability, with the ability to work occasional overtime as needed.
  • Sound knowledge of horticultural best practices, including appropriate timing and application of fertilizers, pesticides, and cultural techniques.
  • Proactive and creative in contributing ideas for improving operational systems and workflow efficiency.
This position requires regular work in challenging environmental conditions, including exposure to:
  • Extreme temperatures, ranging from +32°C to -35°C
  • Adverse weather, such as snow, rain, high winds, and ice
  • Environmental factors, including noise, fumes, dust, dirt, and precipitation
  • Occasional work at heights, particularly during tree pruning and related tasks
  • The role demands resilience, situational awareness, and adherence to all safety protocols in order to perform effectively and safely under these conditions.
Salary: $70,841 - $89,646 per annumClosing Date: Open until position is filledA cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify and we will work together on your accommodation request.About MRUFounded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's and .What We OfferTalented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.

Mount Royal University