Supervisor, Landscape

Auburn University Facilities Management Landscape Services is seeking a Landscape Supervisor to lead a dedicated team responsible for maintaining and enhancing the beauty of Auburn University's campus. In this role, you will oversee daily landscape operations, assign and coordinate work, and train employees in proper and safe landscaping techniques. Through strong leadership and a commitment to excellence, you will help ensure campus grounds remain attractive, welcoming, and well-maintained for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the appearance and functionality of one of Auburn University's most visible assets. 

Special Instructions: Combine into one document and upload your cover letter and resume under the “resume upload” section (maximum file size: 5 MB)

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Contact information for 3 references.

For each reference, include their name, relationship to you, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your work experience, skills, and professional qualifications.

• Supervises, leads, and participates in the installation, care, and maintenance of University landscaping. Oversees quality control by inspecting plant care, work sites, and workmanship to ensure that grounds are kept in pristine condition at all times.
• Plans and prepares job sites across campus for the installation and maintenance of landscaping. Ensures that projects and duties are carried out in a safe, productive, and professional manner.
• Oversees and performs a variety of technical landscape-related duties on University grounds including, but not limited to, proper plant placement and annual bed installation, pesticide application, tree care, grading and erosion control, tree, plant, and shrub pruning, basic irrigation repairs, and seasonal color maintenance.
• Creates, approves, and/or implements landscape designs, schedules, purchases, and plant selection for various sites throughout campus. Identifies areas for landscaping improvements and corrects any aesthetic-related issues.
• Ensures that University grounds, streets, and parking lots are kept free of dirt, leaves, trash, and other debris through the use and maintenance of litter control equipment.
• Plans and oversees the safety and equipment training, scheduling, and development of assigned staff. Responsible for maintaining records of work orders, purchases, activities, time, and schedules. Gathers metrics and provides reports.
• Coordinates landscape plans and activities with the Office of University Architect, project managers, outside contractors, utility personnel, and other landscape personnel. Communicates with others to keep them informed of work progress, provide project support, and answer detailed inquiries.
• Oversees proper moisture, soil, sun, shade, chemical, and seasonal needs to ensure the health and care of plants.
• Serves as subject matter expert in identifying, diagnosing, and treating plant disease, pests, drought stress, and other plant needs. Oversees pesticide equipment, sprayers, and fertilizer spreaders. Reads and interprets pesticide labels and applies pesticides according to label recommendations.
• Maintains fleet and tool inventory. Oversees the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of various landscaping equipment such as backhoes, tractors and implements, specialized mowers, and various heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• May work outside of normal operating hours and days to manage special events, emergencies, and inclement weather.
• May be responsible for meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements as outlined by the applicable department's training and credentialing requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, agronomy, or related field and 6 years of experience of progressively technical groundskeeping operations. Must include 2 years of supervision, leadership, or mentoring employees in this field.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License - Upon Hire
• Ornamental & Turf Pest Control - Supervisor (OTPS) must be obtained - within 180 Days.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EDUCATION: Yes, When a candidate has the required experience, but lacks the required education, they may normally apply additional relevant experience toward the education requirement, at a rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education.

• Strong knowledge of landscape design and proper plant selection, planting techniques, and seasonal maintenance.
• Expert knowledge of plant materials and care including the ability to identify various types of plants, plant materials, and soil types.
• Strong knowledge of the various types and proper applications of herbicides, fertilizers, and related chemicals.
• Knowledge of proper safety training and procedures.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!