Grounds Specialist Senior

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleGrounds Specialist SeniorRequisition NumberRE53844Working TitleDepartment Name3CP07:Phys Plt-Grounds ServicesWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level46Salary Range$52,021-85,800/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationBAClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience5 yrsRequired License/Registration/CertificationNonePhysical RequirementsLifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods; Repetitive Motion.

May work at various locations on the University Campus and transport materials and/or equipment to/from such locations.

May be exposed to elements of weather and temperature extremes while on-the-job as well as when traveling to/from various job site(s).Shift8:00am – 5:00pm (Monday – Friday)

Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors, emergencies,and crisis management requiring night(s), weekend(s), and holiday(s)response.Job SummaryThis position:

• Directly assists the Grounds Manager in providing administrative oversight and direction for Facilities Management grounds services staff assigned to campus-wide maintenance and landscaping for the University of Kentucky’s renowned Lexington Campus
• Collaborates in the development and implementation of the Campus Landscape Plan
• Leads in a manner consistent with the best in environmental and sustainable practices
• Coordinates efforts needed to maintain a safe and accessible campus (roadways, sidewalks, grounds, etc.) during inclement weather conditions
• Communicates and meets with customers as needed to define and prioritize grounds maintenance needs
• Coordinates work performed by outside contractors and in-house grounds crews
• Demonstrates knowledge of Central Kentucky plant selection, landscape design, and horticulture
• Ensures the safe function and aesthetic standard of an urban campus, including turf areas, gardens, roof tops, athletic areas, and plant displays are functional, attractive, and healthy
• Assists supervisors in overseeing grounds maintenance and landscape staff who mow turf, irrigate planting beds, plant and spray, trim shrubs and hedges, eradicate weeds, clear sidewalks, drives, and parking areas, remove rubbish, control insects, operate greenhouses, and perform other outdoor maintenance tasks
• Performs regular daily inspections of grounds and facilities

In addition, the Grounds Specialist Senior:

• Assists in compiling and overseeing the departmental fiscal budget supporting funded projects, renovations, and maintenance repairs for grounds services, including tracking maintenance cost of materials, tools, equipment, and labor
• Performs studies and cost analysis for funded and/or new construction landscaping projects, as directed
• Participates in the review, recommendations, and negotiations of means/methods for new and/or renovated landscaping requirements

Skills / Knowledge / AbilitiesMS Windows / Office; SAP; KRONOS; Construction/Code Compliance; University Policies & Procedures

Demonstrated experience in environmental and sustainable grounds andlandscape maintenance; Knowledge of the safe function and aestheticstandard of an urban campus with extensive turf areas; Snow removal;Turfgrass; Irrigation; Basic mechanical aptitude; and Operation of groundsmaintenance equipment.Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceBachelor’s Degree + 5 Years

Driver’s License Preferred

American Society of Landscape Architects — Desirable

Kentucky Landscape Architects Registration Board — Desirable

American Society for Horticulture Science – Desirable

Certification — Professional Grounds Management Society (CGMB) – Desirable

Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) – Desirable

Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) – DesirableDeadline to Apply04/20/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How many years of experience do you have in groundskeeping, turf and/or landscape maintenance?
   • None
   • More than 0, up through 1 year
   • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
   • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
   • More than 5 years
2. * Please pick one of the following topics and describe a time when you had to deal with a similar situation (i.e. what was the situation, what actions did you take, what was the outcome?): (1) confronting a peer about a problem or conflict (2) planning an event or a program (3) leading a group project or exercise (4) juggling multiple priorities in a narrow time frame (5) working with individuals from very different backgrounds.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * What are your plant identification skills/experience related to horticultural crops and weeds, and what plant problems diagnostic skills do you have related to insects, diseases, and abiotic problems of horticultural crops?

   (Open Ended Question)

4. * Discuss your experience in providing oversight of budgets and fiscal resources.

   (Open Ended Question)

5. * Please describe a specific example of a complex project you have managed from start to finish. Include how your leadership on this initiative resulting in high impact change in your organization as well as any success factors or metrics used to measure achievable results.

   (Open Ended Question)

6. * Describe your experience and expertise related to mechanical equipment maintenance and repair.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PI283501075