Facilities

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor job description

A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor oversees site horticulture, irrigation systems, and landscaping teams to ensure safe, aesthetically pleasing outdoor facilities.

Published November 8, 2025Updated May 16, 20269434 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for a hands-on Grounds Maintenance Supervisor to lead our site operations and cultivate a safe, pristine environment for our employees and visitors. You will manage a dedicated field team, oversee the maintenance of our irrigation and landscape infrastructure, and spearhead seasonal campus improvement projects. This is a vital role for someone who takes pride in high-quality outdoor spaces and wants to apply their technical landscaping expertise to a multi-acre facility. Join us if you are ready to drive operational excellence in our outdoor facilities management program.

Key highlights

Manage daily groundskeeping activities, including irrigation scheduling, turf fertilization, pruning, and seasonal floral rotations across the facility grounds.
Oversee the performance and safety of heavy machinery such as mowers, tractors, and skid steers, coordinating repairs through internal or external mechanics.
Monitor automated irrigation control systems using platforms like Rain Bird or Hunter to optimize water usage and prevent landscape damage.
Lead and mentor a crew of groundskeepers, providing on-the-job training in safe equipment operation, OSHA safety protocols, and horticulture best practices.

What is a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor?

A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor is a facilities professional tasked with the long-term stewardship of a property’s exterior environment. By directing landscaping teams and managing site-specific infrastructure like irrigation controllers and drainage systems, a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor ensures all outdoor assets meet strict safety codes and aesthetic standards. Their expertise lies in balancing horticultural health with operational functionality, directly impacting the curb appeal, environmental sustainability, and overall safety of corporate or public campuses.

What does a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor do?

A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor coordinates daily landscaping tasks, including seasonal planting, turf management, tree trimming, and snow removal protocols. They utilize facility management software and GIS mapping tools to track asset health, manage specialized vendor contracts for chemical applications or arborist services, and ensure compliance with local environmental regulations. Throughout the week, they inspect irrigation systems for leaks, monitor heavy equipment performance, and guide field crews on best practices for site maintenance and hazardous waste disposal.

Key responsibilities

Manage daily groundskeeping activities, including irrigation scheduling, turf fertilization, pruning, and seasonal floral rotations across the facility grounds.
Oversee the performance and safety of heavy machinery such as mowers, tractors, and skid steers, coordinating repairs through internal or external mechanics.
Monitor automated irrigation control systems using platforms like Rain Bird or Hunter to optimize water usage and prevent landscape damage.
Coordinate with site security and facilities teams to ensure parking lots, walkways, and emergency exits remain clear of debris, ice, and snow.
Maintain detailed records of chemical applications, tree health assessments, and landscape project budgets to ensure strict adherence to environmental compliance standards.
Lead and mentor a crew of groundskeepers, providing on-the-job training in safe equipment operation, OSHA safety protocols, and horticulture best practices.
Execute exterior facility improvement projects by managing vendor bids, overseeing contract work, and ensuring all deliverables meet project specifications.
Analyze site performance metrics to identify opportunities for reducing waste and improving the long-term sustainability of the property’s ecosystem.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Landscape Architecture, or related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in commercial grounds maintenance, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
Proficiency in operating and maintaining commercial-grade landscaping equipment, including zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, and light construction machinery.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and current certifications for applying fertilizers and herbicides as required by state law.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex landscape blueprints, irrigation schematics, and site drainage plans.
Strong technical expertise in low-voltage irrigation troubleshooting and automated climate-controlled site systems.
Valid state driver’s license and ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within the first six months of employment.
Exceptional ability to communicate technical landscape requirements to both upper management and field-based labor crews effectively.

FAQs

What does a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor do on a daily basis?

A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor directs the day-to-day operations of an outdoor facility, which includes inspecting turf health, managing irrigation cycles, and assigning tasks to the groundskeeping team. They spend significant time monitoring site safety, such as ensuring walkways are free of hazards, and checking that all heavy equipment is functioning optimally. Their day involves balancing operational needs with horticultural care, often coordinating with facility managers to ensure landscaping projects align with the broader site budget.

What skills are required to become a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor?

Essential skills include a deep understanding of horticulture, turf management, and irrigation systems. A successful supervisor must also possess strong leadership capabilities to manage and train field crews effectively. Technical proficiency with facility management software, knowledge of OSHA workplace safety standards, and experience in vendor contract negotiation are also highly valued qualifications for this role.

Who does a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor report to?

Typically, a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor reports to the Facilities Manager or the Director of Operations within a company. They act as the vital bridge between senior facility leadership and the hands-on field staff, ensuring that strategic goals for site appearance and safety are executed accurately. In larger organizations, they may collaborate frequently with the Sustainability department or Engineering teams for major campus infrastructure projects.

Why is the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor role important for a facility?

This role is critical because the exterior of a facility is the first point of contact for clients, employees, and the public. A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor ensures the property remains safe, compliant with environmental regulations, and aesthetically professional. Their work extends the lifespan of outdoor infrastructure, such as irrigation and drainage, which prevents costly long-term repairs and preserves the overall value of the property.