Turf Maintenance Specialist

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Serving the U-M community, Custodial & Grounds Services are the stewards of the buildings and grounds that make the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan unique. Our employees are dedicated to the preservation of the academic and hospital campuses and pride themselves in giving exceptional customer service while conserving, enhancing and maintaining more than 26 million square feet of property. 

As stewards for the outdoor properties of the U-M's Ann Arbor Campus, Grounds Services provides horticultural and grounds keeping maintenance for over 1200 acres of university property. Our specialized crews are dedicated professionals who pride themselves in caring for the university's natural areas.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job Summary

The Turf Maintenance Specialists within the Grounds department are responsible for aspects of landscape maintenance within an assigned geographic zone.

This is a field working position leading a crew of generally three (3) AFSCME Groundskeepers and up to six (6) temporary or student staff. This position works alongside their crew and must be available for overtime in the winter months for snow removal.

The Turf Maintenance Specialist position reports to the Grounds Supervisor and is expected to work collaboratively with other Grounds Specialists within their assigned campus zones.

Responsibilities*

• Organize, coordinate, and carry out Work Plan activities for the maintenance of turf and hardscape areas, such as mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, leaf removal, hardscape cleanup, power washing, snow removal, and other grounds maintenance activities required in a campus setting.
• Organize, motivate, and develop a cohesive and highly productive team.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of temporary staff and coordinate training.
• Assist other specialty crews working within the assigned zone as needed.
• Represent the department and consult with customers in matters related to customer-specific landscape maintenance activities.
• Keep abreast of new developments in landscape maintenance practices such as new products, equipment, and current cultural techniques.
• Organize, coordinate, and carry out all preventative maintenance, repairs, storage, and training for all assigned equipment.
• Coordinate and perform snow removal as needed.
• Routinely operate various Grounds maintenance equipment such as wheel loaders, skid loaders, tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, etc.
• Routinely use various Grounds maintenance hand tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, blowers, rototillers, push spreaders, etc.
• Routinely and independently move materials (weighing up to 50 lbs) from the floor to the transportation vehicle and from the transportation vehicle to various sites across campus, including areas inside and outside of buildings as well as on various types of terrain.
• Mix and apply selective and non-selective herbicides or fertilizers in properly calibrated proportions. Coordinate and carry out invasive species removal programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's degree, or equivalent combination of training/education and experience in a related field
• Experience in a working lead landscape maintenance position directing the work of others
• Michigan Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicator License with categories 3a, 3b and 6, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of employment
• Valid driver's license with less than six (6) points
• Ability to obtain upon employment and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card
• Ability to organize, motivate, and develop a cohesive and highly productive team
• Experience with professional landscape maintenance and equipment
• Experience with professional snow removal operations and equipment
• Ability to work overtime, including holidays and weekends if needed/required (i.e. snow removal, etc.)
• Must be able to perform all duties within the classification, with or without reasonable accommodation

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with equivalent experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a lead landscape maintenance position that directs the work of others. 
• Minimum two (2) years of experience with professional snow removal operations and equipment.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care ? that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage 
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 6am-2:30pm.

Ability to work overtime, including holidays and weekends if needed/required (i.e. snow removal, etc.).

Additional Information

Facilities and Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.