Landscape Supervisor

The University of California (USC) is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Community - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

Capitalizing on over years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion. USC is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the st century and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC department of Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) – Operations Grounds Services is seeking a to join its team.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Landscape Supervisor is responsible for supervising staff, daily operations, and activities of the landscape shop. Plans, schedules, supervises and coordinates landscaping projects and activities. Provides leadership and guidance to ensure that high standards of quality, service, and customer satisfaction are maintained.

The Landscape Supervisor:

• Plans, designs and manages in-house and grounds-related projects (e.g., color bed plantings, turf renovation), and collaborates with department project managers. Designs and oversees the installation and maintenance of large conversion projects (e.g., climate adaptive, native plants). Manages estimated budgets and ensures project completion prior to project deadlines.
• Inspects and evaluates assigned areas and provides feedback to team to ensure public safety and to support an aesthetically pleasing environment. Creates performance metrics and inspects and evaluates landscape areas, ensuring compliance with university and departmental policies. Designs and implements standard operating procedures (e.g., pesticide use).
• Manages landscaping budget, purchasing materials, supplies equipment and authorizing overtime as needed. Addresses performance issues with staff as they arise. Presents regular performance reviews to leads and frontline staff.
• Provides basic and advanced technical-skill training to team members. Provides counseling and mentoring, and recommends disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Participates in university stakeholder committee meetings. Stays current with best practices in waste operations and pilots new equipment provided by vendors. Implements environmentally sustainable horticultural practices.
• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
• Supervises landscaping staff. Screens and interviews applicants and makes hiring decisions. Trains staff and counsels or disciplines as needed. Provides performance feedback and prepares documented appraisals. Determines and/or recommends unit salary administration including raises, promotions and/or reclassifications.
• Assesses landscaping workload and plans or schedules staff accordingly. Develops, plans and implements daily and annual maintenance and planting activities. Determines staffing needs for peak volumes and/or special projects and arranges for temporary workers. Authorizes overtime as appropriate. Ensures staff are adequately trained and cross-trained to promote continuity of operations during vacations and extended absences.
• Trains and supports staff and team leader(s). Integrates the Pay for Skills program, provides forms and supplies, schedules training, and gives/receives feedback for staff training and development. Verifies completion of Pay for Skills training requirements.
• Monitors workflow for efficiency and timeliness. Sets priorities based on landscape conditions, weather, special events, etc. Makes adjustments as needed.
• Reviews work for quality, completion, accuracy and adherence to internal operating policies and procedures. Addresses problems and errors and provides feedback.
• Provides technical assistance to staff for training purposes and for problem-solving. Provides background and interpretation of departmental policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Determines costs of equipment, materials, and supplies and prices accordingly. Orders materials, supplies, and equipment. Liaises with vendors on issues related to products, services and delivery.
• Maintains specialized equipment and provides training for staff and/or student workers on utilization of equipment. Makes minor repairs and/or coordinates with vendors for preventive maintenance, repairs and/or enhancements. Researches and prepares recommendations for acquisitions of specialized equipment.
• Contributes to the development of policies, procedures, and internal systems which support the work of the unit. Defines needs and coordinates the development of manual and/or automated systems to facilitate workflow.
• Ensures records are kept up-to-date and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Maintains unit statistics on productivity and generates reports for review by manager. Prepares standing and/or ad hoc reports for management. Gathers data, determines report format and generates information.
• Plans and administers income and expense budgets. Develops projections. Tracks actual income and expenses and adjusts operating plans to address variances.
• Develops and implements security related procedures such as office opening and closing routines, recognition of duress signals and key controls. Coordinates security activities with University Public Safety Department. Promotes and maintains standards for security conscious awareness and behavior. Maintains knowledge of University's crime prevention and suppression programs and services. Ensures dissemination of security related information to staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
• In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to "report to duty" in accordance with the university's Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee's department's emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.

The work schedule for this position is Monday – Friday 4: AM – : PM; or 5:AM – 1:PMhowever, work schedules may change at any time to accommodate business needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates for the position of Landscape Supervisor must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High School or equivalent; Combined experience / education as substitute for minimum education
• 6 years of experience in landscaping
• 3 years of experience in a leadership role
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of all aspects of landscaping with progressive leadership/management/supervision experience. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a dynamic workforce.
• Experience with project management, budget planning, cost estimation and meeting deadlines.
• Proficient in horticultural decision-making.
• Proficient in people management, coaching, de-escalating employee issues and/or concerns.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, principles and regulations.
• Proficient computer literacy skills with familiarity with MS Office and other required operating systems.
• Experience with CMMS (e.g. Assetworks).
• Ability to collaboratively work with a wide-ranging group of people.
• Ability to remain agile and adaptable with changing priorities.
• Active/valid/unrestricted CA Drivers' license in accordance with USC's Driver Vehicle Safety Policy
• Candidates must obtain a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) within 6 months of hire. Training will be provided.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the position of Landscape Supervisor meets the following preferred criteria:

• Associate’s Degree.
• 8 years of experience within a college/university environment.
• Knowledge of the UPC (University Park Campus/Main Campus) and/or HSC Campuses (Health Science).
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently
• Familiarity with the cultivation of native plants
• GIS and CAD knowledge
• Proven leadership ability
• Certifications: APPA Supervisor's Tool kit seminar, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Irrigation, Auditor TIA, California Native Plant Landscaper and/or Qualified Tree Risk Assessor

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $,. – $,. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment.