Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager at CSU Careers

Job SummaryUnder the general direction of the Associate Director of Grounds Landscape & Recycling the Grounds Landscape & Recycling Manager provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the South Main Campus Grounds Services team within Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O). The incumbent develops implements and manages comprehensive grounds landscape irrigation and recycling service plans focused on supporting a Division I Athletics environment through sustainable and organic practices.This position is responsible for managing staff ensuring regulatory compliance overseeing contractor performance maintaining quality standards and developing strategies for efficient use of labor and resources. The Manager ensures that all maintenance and operational activities align with university sustainability goals environmental standards and customer service expectations while fostering a safe inclusive and high-performance team culture.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee all grounds and landscape services for South Main Campus including Division I Athletics facilities ornamental gardens and stormwater prevention zonesImplement and manage preventive maintenance plans irrigation programs integrated pest management and tree care schedulesLead recycling and refuse management programs ensuring compliance with local state and federal regulationsDevelop and monitor quality assurance programs performance metrics and customer service standardsManage personnel functions including recruitment training evaluation and performance management for assigned staffAdminister budgets resource allocation and inventory control to ensure efficient operations and fiscal accountabilityCoordinate with campus partners including Athletics Club Sports and Kinesiology to align grounds management with usage needsSupport sustainability initiatives including soil health management water-efficient irrigation and organic nutrient programsParticipate in long-term planning deferred maintenance assessments and design standards development for university projectsEnsure safety compliance emergency preparedness and adherence to all environmental health and safety standardsKnowledge Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of grounds organic landscape irrigation and athletic field maintenance methods materials and equipmentUnderstanding of administrative and management techniques for planning and implementing large-scale grounds programsKnowledge of recycling and refuse management principles and regulatory requirementsAbility to plan communicate and implement operational plans effectivelyStrong leadership team-building and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and supervise diverse teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to customer serviceAbility to analyze complex situations develop solutions and implement improvementsKnowledge of sustainable and organic land management practices including soil health turfgrass and IPM (Integrated Pest Management)Ability to interpret and apply standards from professional organizations such as SFMA and NOFA Organic Land CareProficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) scheduling and performance reporting toolsAbility to lift carry push or pull up to 20 pounds occasionallyRequired QualificationsBachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling coordinating and performing grounds operations a minimum of two years of which are associated with progressively responsible management experienceThree years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex of which a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experienceKnowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation integrated pest management and organic vegetation managementSupervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issuesExperience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plansLicense A valid drivers license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California drivers license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.Preferred QualificationsPest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California or Certified IPM Technician (CIT)Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management SocietyMembership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices.Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCACertified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation AssociationNOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification or equivalent training in organic land managementSupervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environmentExperience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methodsExperience in grounds services management of a State facility College or University or other environment with extensive groundsCompensationClassification: Administrator IIAnticipated Hiring Range: $9084/monthCSU Salary Range: $5053/month - $16221/month The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available please see the Employee Benefits Summary.Application ProcedureClick Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:ResumeLetter of InterestAll applicants must apply within the specified application period: November 22 2025 through December 7 2025. This position is open until filled; however applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.Contact InformationUniversity PersonnelCSU Vaccination PolicyThe CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age medical condition and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found athttps:// questions may be sent to.Additional InformationSatisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.The standard background check includes: criminal check employment and education verification. Depending on the position a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the universitys third-party vendor Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Officeor report any discrimination harassment and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements emergency preparedness and evacuation information crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at or by email at.Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at or by email at.Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.Equal Employment StatementSan José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age ancestry caste color disability ethnicity gender gender expression gender identity genetic information marital status medical condition military status nationality race religion religious creed sex sexual orientation sex stereotype and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students faculty and staff as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and certain other federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.Required Experience:Manager Key Skills Crisis Management,Groundskeeping,Lawn Care,Management Experience,Facilities Management,Landscape Maintenance,Horticulture,Irrigation,Maintenance,Operations Management,Gardening,Supervising Experience Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1