Grounds Working Foreman

POSITION TITLE : Grounds Working Foreman

AGENCY : University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

APPROPRIATION OR AGENCY CODE : 7310-0000

SALARY : Grade 14

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Grounds Working Foreman is responsible for planning, overseeing, and participating in the maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of the University's grounds, roads, walkways, parking areas, and outdoor athletic facilities. This position provides daily supervision of grounds personnel, coordinates work schedules, ensures the proper operation and maintenance of equipment, and oversees campus-wide services such as waste removal, seasonal maintenance, and event preparation. The incumbent performs hands-on work alongside staff while maintaining records, requisitioning supplies, and upholding safety and performance standards in accordance with University policies and state regulations.

Follows the University's best practices to build and / or support student academic success and retention and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

The Grounds Working Foreman receives general supervision from employees of higher grade who provide training or instruction, assign work and review performance through inspection and oral reports for efficiency and effectiveness.

DIRECT REPORTING STAFF :

Incumbents of positions at this level exercise direct supervision (i.e., not through an intermediate level supervisor) over, assign work to and review the performance of 1 - 5 maintenance personnel.

THEIR STAFF :

Incumbents of positions at this level exercise functional supervision (i.e. over certain but not all work activities or over some or all work activities on a temporary basis) over employees of a lower grade.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Plans and lays out daily and seasonal work schedules for grounds staff to ensure efficient coverage of all maintenance tasks across campus grounds and facilities
• Supervises and actively participates in mowing and trimming turf areas, including the operation of commercial-grade mowing equipment
• Supervises and actively participates in the application of fertilizers, soil amendments, and turf care treatments in accordance with best practices and safety guidelines
• Supervises and actively participates in snow and ice removal operations, including salting, sanding, and plowing of walkways, stairs, and parking areas to ensure campus safety and accessibility
• Supervises and actively participates in the collection and disposal of trash and organic debris from campus grounds
• Supervises and actively participates in preparation and maintenance of Athletic fields, including striping, leveling, and conditioning surfaces for scheduled practices and games, ensuring compliance with Athletic safety standards
• Supervises and actively participates in the assembly, inspection, and repair of outdoor athletic equipment
• Secures athletic facilities by locking and unlocking gates and structures according to facility schedules
• Requisitions and tracks inventory of grounds and field maintenance supplies, tools, and materials
• Inspects and performs general maintenance and minor repairs on equipment used in the maintenance and upkeep of University grounds (i.e. lawn mowers, snow blowers, and trimmers) and makes recommendations for new equipment
• Trains and mentors Grounds staff in proper procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols
• Develops and manages overtime schedules to address operational needs, seasonal demands, or emergency responses
• Supervises, trains, hires, evaluates and monitors the performance of assigned staff
• Actively participates in department meetings and may serve on committees, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE :

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB :

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS :

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, or turf management.

LICENSE AND / OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

REMARKS : Incumbents in this work indoors and outdoors, lift and carry heavy objects and equipment, climb ladders or scaffolds, may work varied shifts and / or irregular hours, may work under exposure to high noise levels, high voltage wires, etc., and may operate light motor vehicles.

DEPARTMENT : Grounds

NO. OF POSITIONS : 1

INTERNAL / EXTERNAL POSTING : Yes

STATE FUNDED : No

SALARY : $49,233.08 to $68,628.56

HOURS : Tues -Fri 9a-5p | Sat 6a-2p

UNION : AFT Maintainers

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as :

Benefits for AFT Maintainers Union- AFT Maintainers

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The deadline for internal applicants is November 12, 2025.

The review of internal and external applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.