Grounds Manager Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14713)

Description

Position Summary  

The Grounds Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and maintenance of Bellevue College¿s outdoor spaces, including landscapes, hardscapes, irrigation systems, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, pathways, walkways, courtyards, stormwater and drainage systems. This position provides leadership for the Grounds Department, manages grounds-related projects, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Grounds Manager also plays a key role in sustainability initiatives, campus improvements, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders on capital and maintenance projects. Additionally, the Grounds Manager will work closely with the Sustainability Office to ensure compliance with Salmon Safe and other environmental certifications. This position reports to the Executive Director of Campus Operations.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $84,595/year - $122,663/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $94,112/year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not eligible for overtime pay. 

 

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

Bellevue College Campus Operations is responsible for capital design, construction, maintenance, custodial services, landscaping, warehouse/delivery, and all operations of campus facilities, systems, utilities, and infrastructure. 

Essential Functions  

Grounds Maintenance and Operations Management

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive grounds maintenance program, ensuring campus landscapes, hardscapes, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, pathways, walkways, courtyards, stormwater and drainage systems, and outdoor spaces are well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
• Manage and support grounds staff, including assigning work, setting schedules, and ensuring completion of daily, monthly, and seasonal maintenance tasks.
• Oversee routine landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, pruning, weeding, soil amendments, planting, mulching, and irrigation system operation and repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections to assess the condition of campus grounds, hardscapes, and infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, sidewalks, pathways, stormwater, and drainage systems, prioritizing work orders, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and maintenance of grounds equipment and materials, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency.
• Coordinate with public safety and maintenance teams for inclement weather response, including snow removal, storm cleanup, and emergency repairs on all outdoor campus infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Office to implement environmentally responsible practices and maintain compliance with Salmon Safe and other environmental initiatives.

Project and Construction Management

• Develop and manage landscape and infrastructure improvement projects, ensuring alignment with campus planning and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, construction managers, and external consultants to provide input on new construction, landscape renovations, and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison for grounds and outdoor infrastructure-related capital and maintenance projects, coordinating with vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Assist in the planning, budgeting, and execution of grounds and infrastructure-related projects, including cost estimates, bid evaluations, and contract administration.
• Review and approve design and installation plans for new landscape features, irrigation systems, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, stormwater and drainage systems, and outdoor spaces to ensure compliance with college standards.
• Ensure all campus improvement projects align with environmental best practices and sustainability goals, working closely with the Sustainability Office and external agencies.

Administrative and Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, discipline, and develop grounds personnel, providing leadership and professional growth opportunities.
• Monitor and manage department budget, including forecasting, cost control, and procurement of supplies and services.
• Maintain accurate records, including maintenance logs, equipment inventory, work orders, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Work closely with campus leadership to align grounds management strategies with institutional goals and priorities.
• Oversee compliance with stormwater management regulations and sustainability initiatives related to grounds maintenance and development.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support college-sponsored events by coordinating grounds maintenance and providing logistical support.
• Assist in traffic control and emergency response operations as needed.
• Participate in campus-wide initiatives, committees, and sustainability efforts to enhance outdoor spaces and environmental stewardship.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape management, environmental science, facilities management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or facilities management.
• Experience supervising full-time, part-time employees as well as volunteers.
• Demonstrated success in project management, budgeting, and procurement for grounds and landscape operations, including planning, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring alignment with sustainability goals.
• In-depth knowledge of irrigation systems, plant health, arboriculture, turf management, stormwater, and drainage systems.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices, water conservation, and integrated pest management.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee contractors, consultants, and capital projects effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, work order systems, facility management software as well as site planning, and sketch to scale software such as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations, campus tours, or educational sessions focused on grounds management, sustainability initiatives, or environmental practices.
• Experience working with diverse teams and promoting inclusive practices within grounds management and campus operations.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to grounds maintenance as needed.
• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's License is required, with no disqualifying violations on record, along with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or facilities management, with at least three years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience managing grounds or facilities in a college, university, or large campus environment, or equivalent, with an understanding of the unique needs of academic institutions.
• Proven ability to lead community volunteer activities related to landscaping, sustainability, or environmental stewardship, fostering positive relationships with diverse groups.
• Collaborate with Sustainability Office to ensure Salmon Safe certification and other compliance.
• Extensive experience in implementing sustainability practices, including water conservation, integrated pest management, native plant landscaping, and compliance with environmental certifications (e.g., Salmon Safe).
• Familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, work order management systems, and landscape design software to support efficient operations and project planning.
• Have relevant professional certifications such as Certified Grounds Manager (CGM), Certified Arborist (ISA), or certification in sustainable landscaping practices.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 03/24/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Describe and provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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