Assistant Grounds Manager

Job Description

A Day in the Life:

The Assistant Grounds Manager supervises and coordinates the installation and maintenance of all offsite projects and selected onsite projects. You will plan, manage, supervise, and maintain all offsite Landscape Transformations projects, with two primary support staff, and episodic support from other members of the Horticulture department.

With support and direction from the Grounds Manager, you will assist in managing onsite projects, coordinating onsite and offsite teams to work collectively on the Garden grounds and accomplish offsite projects as needed, ensuring timely maintenance and execution.

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate staff to accomplish institutional goals are essential. This full-time (40 hours) non-exempt position reports to the Grounds Manager.

What You’ll Do:

Supervise staff: participate in hiring, training and promotion; conduct annual performance evaluations; make salary recommendations

Plan, schedule, coordinate, and monitor projects; ensure adherence to Cal/OSHA standards and provide or coordinate required professional and safety training

Work daily alongside a team of two technicians to accomplish projects

Coordinate communication with all outside partners to achieve contracts and goals

Work with the Manager of Volunteer Programs to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers

Adhere to all Fire Safe regulations on projects. Obtain annual Defensible Space clearance from Fire Department

Occasionally teach classes, workshops, and lead tours for the public, volunteers, and donors

Manage expenditures wisely (materials, equipment, tools, labor) in consultation with Grounds Manager and the Director of Horticulture & Operations

You Will Definitely Need:

A bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Habitat Restoration, or associated field (may substitute more extensive work experience for formal education)

Experience managing projects and supervising staff

Skill in all aspects of general horticulture and care of California native plants including: planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring pest populations

Experience with habitat restoration projects, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and natural areas management

Knowledge of proper operation of all necessary tools and equipment including: tractors, trucks, utility vehicles, chippers and shredders, compost tea brewer, sprayers, chainsaws, blowers and hand tools

Understanding of irrigation systems: how to install, adjust, program, and maintain them

Familiarity with botanical nomenclature and identification of California native plants

Supervisory skills and the ability to monitor the performance of subordinates, ensuring that assigned tasks are completed

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and the ability to learn new tools, as needed

A valid California Driver License and an acceptable driving record

A California pesticide applicator's license (or willingness to obtain)

You Must Be Able To:

Manage multiple projects at once, work under pressure and meet deadlines, cooperate in a team environment

Communicate clearly and concisely with staff, volunteers, the general public and all project partners both verbally and in writing in English (bilingual preferred)

Thrive in an outdoor work environment

Perform physically strenuous work assignments 8 hours a day regularly and occasional 12 hour days when offsite. Multi-day camping trips in the field are required.

Stand/walk for extended periods of time over varied terrain, lift and safely carry 50 lbs., bend, squat, and use heavy tools safely

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work! And in this role, you are often outdoors. In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer:

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Full-time