Landscape Operations Supervisor

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Landscape Operations Supervisor to lead campus landscape and grounds maintenance operations while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, safety, and exceptional customer service.

About the role

This position provides leadership for a large team of landscape professionals responsible for maintaining and enhancing the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of campus grounds, hardscapes, trees, turf, gardens, and outdoor spaces. The Landscape Operations Supervisor oversees daily operations, manages personnel and resources, coordinates contractors and vendors, administers budgets, and ensures campus landscape assets are maintained to the highest standards. This role serves as a technical expert in landscape operations, horticulture, arboriculture, turfgrass management, and grounds maintenance while supporting major campus events, construction activities, snow operations, and emergency response efforts.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, train, and develop landscape operations staff with a strong emphasis on employee engagement, professional growth, and team morale.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of a large landscape workforce across multiple shifts and operational areas.
  • Prioritize, schedule, assign, and monitor work crews, equipment, and resources to ensure efficient completion of work.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and feedback, and support employee development initiatives.
  • Participate in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning efforts.
  • Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Landscape Operations & Campus Stewardship
  • Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of campus landscapes, including turf, trees, shrubs, flower displays, hardscape features, signs, fences, and other outdoor assets.
  • Monitor overall campus grounds conditions and implement strategies to continuously improve appearance, functionality, and sustainability.
  • Plan and coordinate landscape installation, renovation, restoration, and beautification projects.
  • Direct snow and ice removal operations to ensure safe access across campus walkways, entrances, ramps, and designated parking areas.
  • Provide technical expertise in turf management, horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy, and landscape best practices.
• Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, facility representatives, project teams, and external customers.
  • Respond proactively to customer requests, concerns, and service needs while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Participate in meetings with stakeholders and communicate project status, service plans, and operational priorities.
  • Promote landscape services and identify opportunities to support additional campus and organizational needs.
• Project & Contractor Management
  • Plan, estimate, coordinate, and oversee landscape maintenance and construction projects.
  • Develop scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans.
  • Monitor work performed by contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure compliance with specifications and design standards.
  • Collaborate with engineers, architects, planners, and project managers to protect and enhance landscape assets during construction activities.
  • Conduct site inspections and provide recommendations regarding landscape design, installation, and maintenance practices.
• Budget & Resource Management
  • Administer operational budgets and monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Review labor, material, and equipment costs and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Manage inventory, procurement, and utilization of equipment, supplies, and materials.
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair programs for landscape vehicles and equipment.
  • Prepare estimates and quotations for landscape services and contract work.
• Environmental Stewardship & Regulatory Compliance
  • Lead and continuously improve the campus Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
  • Evaluate pest management strategies and oversee compliant pesticide application practices.
  • Maintain required certifications and ensure regulatory compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
  • Support sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible landscape management practices.
• Safety & Emergency Response
  • Ensure safe working conditions for employees, students, visitors, contractors, and the campus community.
  • Conduct safety training, inspections, and incident investigations.
  • Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk.
  • Participate in emergency planning, severe weather response, and other critical campus operations.
  • Provide leadership during snow, ice, and other emergency response activities.

Requirements

• Experience supervising landscape, grounds, facilities, public works, or related operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and building positive workplace culture.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance, horticulture, arboriculture, turfgrass management, and grounds operations.
• Experience managing budgets, equipment, inventory, and operational resources.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and lead operations in a dynamic environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain required operational certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing large-scale grounds or campus landscape operations.
• Pennsylvania Public Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of landscape construction, irrigation systems, hardscape maintenance, and snow removal operations.
• Degree or specialized training in horticulture, landscape management, agronomy, arboriculture, or a related field.

Qualifications

If filled as Landscape Operations Supervisor - Senior Supervisor, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

If filled as Landscape Operations Supervisor - Supervisor, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.