Grounds Working Foreman

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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:

• Knowledge of the types and uses of materials, tools and equipment used in maintenance and groundskeeping
• Knowledge of the proper care and maintenance of equipment used in groundskeeping
• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in connection with groundskeeping
• Knowledge of techniques used in weed control
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in building maintenance, grounds, and repair work (i.e. fire safety, ladder safety, etc.)
• Knowledge of the standard preventive maintenance procedures followed in connection with building structures
• Knowledge of the types and uses of small hand tools such as pliers, chisels, hammers, etc.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of hand-held power tools such as drills, chain saws, hedge trimmers, etc.
• Skill in the use of motorized equipment such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, forklifts, dollies, rototillers etc.
• Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
• Skill in using hand-held power tools such as drills
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as plans, blueprints, specifications, drawings, job layouts and schematics
• Ability to adhere to university procedures involving the handling of cleaning agents, pesticides or other potentially hazardous materials
• Ability to adhere to plans and specifications
• Ability and willingness to represent the Facilities Department to vendors and respond to vendor concerns in a timely and supportive manner
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
• Ability to climb trees, ladders, and scaffolds
• Physical stamina and endurance
• Mechanical aptitude
• Manual dexterity

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB:

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities
• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision
• Ability to operate tree trimming equipment
• Knowledge of the types and uses of pesticides
• Knowledge of the procedures followed in pruning and cutting trees

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:

• Possession of a valid Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts Hoisting License appropriate for the equipment operated (e.g., 1C, 2A), or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire
• Possession of a valid Driver’s license and eligibility to drive in Massachusetts

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 jobs-near-me.org Sat 6a-2p

UNION: AFT Maintainers

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

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.

 

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