Grounds Foreman

Job Summary

Employees in this classification work under general supervision and perform a variety of skilled tasks related to grounds maintenance, landscaping, gardening, turf care, and related activities. Work includes the use and maintenance of hand tools, power equipment, and other grounds maintenance equipment, as well as instructing other employees. Employees exercise independent judgment in determining appropriate methods for completing assigned work and perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, equipment, and practices used in grounds maintenance and landscaping
Knowledge of basic landscaping, gardening, and turf maintenance procedures
Knowledge of materials, supplies, and equipment used in turf and grounds maintenance
Knowledge of proper pesticide application methods and safety practices
Ability to direct, instruct, and supervise the work of other employees
Ability to properly use, operate, and maintain a variety of hand tools, power tools, machinery, and related equipment
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures
Ability to exercise sound judgment and determine appropriate methods for completing assigned work
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and other employees
Ability to perform pesticide applications in accordance with established procedures and applicable requirements
Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time and work outdoors under varying weather conditions
Ability to work independently and effectively prioritize and complete assigned tasks

Required Qualifications

Successful completion of the tenth (10th) grade.
Experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping, turf care, or a related field.
Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping, turf care, or a related field.
High school diploma or GED.
Experience directing, instructing, or supervising employees.
Experience operating and maintaining grounds maintenance equipment

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Facilities Services Buildings and Grounds Assistant 2
• Market Range - 3 Salary Schedules
• For information on benefits, please visit Employee Benefits

Application Instructions and additional details

• Non-exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Cover letter, resume, and three references available upon request.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.