<p>Job Summary</p> <p>This position:</p> <ul> <li>Directly assists the Grounds Manager in providing administrative oversight and direction for Facilities Management grounds services staff assigned to campus-wide maintenance and landscaping for the University of Kentucky's renowned Lexington Campus </li><li>Collaborates in the development and implementation of the Campus Landscape Plan </li><li>Leads in a manner consistent with the best in environmental and sustainable practices </li><li>Coordinates efforts needed to maintain a safe and accessible campus (roadways, sidewalks, grounds, etc.) during inclement weather conditions </li><li>Communicates and meets with customers as needed to define and prioritize grounds maintenance needs </li><li>Coordinates work performed by outside contractors and in-house grounds crews </li><li>Demonstrates knowledge of Central Kentucky plant selection, landscape design, and horticulture </li><li>Ensures the safe function and aesthetic standard of an urban campus, including turf areas, gardens, roof tops, athletic areas, and plant displays are functional, attractive, and healthy </li><li>Assists supervisors in overseeing grounds maintenance and landscape staff who mow turf, irrigate planting beds, plant and spray, trim shrubs and hedges, eradicate weeds, clear sidewalks, drives, and parking areas, remove rubbish, control insects, operate greenhouses, and perform other outdoor maintenance tasks </li><li>Performs regular daily inspections of grounds and facilities </li></ul> <p>In addition, the Grounds Specialist Senior:</p> <ul> <li>Assists in compiling and overseeing the departmental fiscal budget supporting funded projects, renovations, and maintenance repairs for grounds services, including tracking maintenance cost of materials, tools, equipment, and labor </li><li>Performs studies and cost analysis for funded and/or new construction landscaping projects, as directed </li><li>Participates in the review, recommendations, and negotiations of means/methods for new and/or renovated landscaping requirements </li></ul> <p>Skills / Knowledge / Abilities</p> <p>MS Windows / Office; SAP; KRONOS; Construction/Code Compliance; University Policies & Procedures</p> <p>Demonstrated experience in environmental and sustainable grounds and</p> <p>landscape maintenance; Knowledge of the safe function and aesthetic</p> <p>standard of an urban campus with extensive turf areas; Snow removal;</p> <p>Turfgrass; Irrigation; Basic mechanical aptitude; and Operation of grounds</p> <p>maintenance equipment.</p> <p>Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience</p> <p>Bachelor's Degree + 5 Years</p> <p>Driver's License Preferred</p> <p>American Society of Landscape Architects - Desirable</p> <p>Kentucky Landscape Architects Registration Board - Desirable</p> <p>American Society for Horticulture Science - Desirable</p> <p>Certification - Professional Grounds Management Society (CGMB) - Desirable</p> <p>Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) - Desirable</p> <p>Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) - Desirable</p> <p>Deadline to Apply 04/20/2026 Our University Community</p> <p>We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.</p> <p>The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.</p> <p>Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.</p>