Building & Grounds Assistant Supervisor - Facilities Planning & Management - 21779
INTRODUCTION:
The Facilities Planning & Management Department in the Division of Finance and Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Building & Grounds Assistant Supervisor (FP157).
JOB DUTIES:
The Building & Grounds Assistant Supervisor works under the direction of the Building & Grounds Manager and assists in the development, scheduling, oversight, training, administration and supervision of operational work plans and Grounds staff for Facilities Planning & Management. Employee will also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to carry out maintenance tasks. This position guides the work of a team of Groundskeepers, Horticulture/Forestry Specialists, University Staff Temporary Employees (USTE's) and student workers to ensure cleanliness, orderliness and safety in academic and support buildings and assists with planning and implementation of facility emergency response policies and procedures. This position will order and maintain supplies and provide preventative and corrective groundskeeping equipment care. Position work schedule may change, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours, based upon operational need for snow and ice removal.
This is a first-shift position with the normal working hours of Monday-Friday 6:00 am-2:00 pm.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate's degree
- 3 years prior experience performing groundskeeping activities, greenhouse operations and/or facilities maintenance in a professional setting
- Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment Driver Authorization
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- Prior experience supervising staff in a professional setting
- Ability to communicate to staff in English and Spanish
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:
- Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle
- Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic, and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for prolonged periods, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances
- Knowledge of groundskeeping activities, greenhouse operation, and/or plant identification and care
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety standards/precautions pertaining to groundskeeping operations and the ability to read and follow recommendations
- Knowledge of standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), and the ability to learn and comprehend software programs
- Ability to assist with database management and record keeping as it relates to greenhouse management, plant labeling and pest control applications
- Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30’ etc.
- Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students
- Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
- Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
- Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed
- Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Assist in development, scheduling, oversight, training, administration, and supervision of operational work plans and groundskeeping staff
A 1. Serve as role model for the unit and ensure delivery of exemplary customer service when dealing with students, staff, faculty, and community members.
A 2. Provide training and support for Groundskeepers, Horticulture/Forestry Specialists, University Staff Temporary Employees (USTE's) and student workers.
A 3. Assign job tasks, coordinate work schedules, and inspect the work of Groundskeepers, Horticulture/Forestry Specialists, University Staff Temporary Employees (USTE's) and student workers to meet operational goals and guidelines and complete established projects.
A 4. Evaluate building maintenance and groundskeeping practices and procedures to monitor and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the staff and make recommendations to the Building & Grounds Manager.
A 5. Assist in developing unit standards, evaluating operational efficiency, and recommending improvements and changes to the Building & Grounds Manager.
A 6. Assist in recruiting and interviewing full-time, USTE and student applicants.
A 7. Approve and maintain time records of staff including vacation and leave use.
A 8. Enter and approve time sheet entries.
A 9. Enforce University and department policies.
A 10. Manage, assign, schedule, and complete work requests through the Department's work order management system (CMMS).
A 11. Evaluate unit equipment needs; help maintain life cycle replacement program and make recommendations for equipment replacement.
A 12. Perform regular inspections of buildings and grounds and evaluate performance of staff. Coach employees in the continuous improvement of their performance and prepare formal performance evaluations per University guidelines.
A 13. Communicate regularly and thoroughly with direct reports, Building & Grounds Manager, Facilities leadership, other unit Managers, and groundskeeping staff.
A14. Assists with planning and implementation of facility emergency and hazardous responds policies and procedures.
B. Inspect and maintain building and grounds infrastructure, groundskeeping equipment, and order supplies and maintain inventory.
B 1. Inspect building & grounds infrastructure to ensure proper maintenance. Troubleshoot, escalate, and document issues according to established policies and procedures.
B 2. Inspect, clean, and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.
B 2. Operate greenhouse for annual and perennial plant production, including maintaining building systems such as irrigation, heat, shade, and ventilation.
B 3. Order and maintain supplies and repair parts as needed. Determine repair cost effectiveness on equipment and source needed parts from vendors or from University Stores, if available.
B 4. Order landscaping supplies from University Stores and maintain adequate inventory levels.
C. Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities
C 1. Perform routine groundskeeping work (including but not limited to mowing, trimming, planting, pruning, tree care, and litter pickup) in assigned areas when needed.
C 2. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks,
mowers, tractors, street sweepers, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
C 2. Plan and coordinate groundskeeping activities, special work projects and events to be performed around campus occupancy to minimize disruption.
C 3. Participate in scheduled and/or emergency overtime work.
D. Perform Winter snow and ice control activities
D 1. Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season, and
return to active state the following spring.
D 2. Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from
sidewalks, roads, and parking lots.
D 3. Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs, and sidewalks.
D 4. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.
E. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned
E 1. Respond to trouble calls of both a groundskeeping and maintenance nature after normal business hours.
E 2. Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment.
E 3. Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events.
E 4. Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various
university fleet vehicles.
E 5. Other duties as assigned.
**This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees. Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report, please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting hourly wage within a range of $23/hr - $25/hr.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by April 22, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Stephanie Lederman
Administrative Assistant II
262-472-1320
ledermas@uww.edu
HOW TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Name and contact information for three professional references
This Job ID is 21779.
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
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