Landscape Crew Chief

Job Summary

Purdue University’s award-winning Grounds Department is all about growing and we are seeking a talented individual to join our team as a Landscape Crew Chief. The grounds staff is responsible for maintaining the iconic appearance of the West Lafayette campus; including landscape and turf maintenance, pest control, refuse and recycling collection, street operations and, snow removal. 

As the Landscape Crew Chief, you will:

• Ensure the visible excellence of the campus grounds. 
• Supervise the personnel activities of landscape maintenance and/or project crew in the Grounds department.
• Perform duties related to landscape construction and maintenance. 
• The crew works closely with University Landscape Architect and Project Managers to implement landscape designs on campus and includes arborists, irrigation specialists, landscape specialists, and a cement mason.
• This team of professionals also deploys as a Quick Response Team when necessary to address ground maintenance issues in support of the landscape, turf maintenance and pedestrian walks.
• Supervise service staff which includes interviewing, mentoring, training, planning, scheduling, and inspecting work. 
• Administer work assignments, order supplies, and approve expenditures to complete job assignments. 
• Account for time reporting for recharge activities within SAP. 
• Assist in establishing and recommending organizational policies, procedures, and goals to carry out functions of the department. 
• Supervise, plan, and direct the project, stewardship and service operations of the crew to include the snow removal, construction, and maintenance of the overall appearance of areas both on the central campus and outlying areas. 
• Perform pesticide/herbicide work, grounds maintenance, general labor and equipment maintenance and repair.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education & Experience:

• HS diploma/GED Required.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Landscaping, or related area preferred. 
• Four years’ experience in grounds construction and maintenance or closely related area required.  
• Supervisory experience necessary.

Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership skills necessary. 
• Good work organizational skills required. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills needed.  Demonstrated leadership skills necessary.
• Ability to read blueprints required. 
• Experience in landscape and turf irrigations systems necessary. 
• Equipment operation (i.e., backhoe, bobcat, tree spade, tractors, mowers, etc.) required.  
• Knowledge of insect/disease control, proper nutrition, growth habits and pruning.  

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary CLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
• A background check will be required for employment in this position 
• This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing 
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime) 
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan 
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply 

FLSA Status