Assistant Director of Campus Grounds (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants : In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Grounds plays a key role in supporting the Director of Grounds in the strategic planning, development, and maintenance of the university's 300-acre campus. This position is instrumental in shaping first impressions, reinforcing the university's identity, and cultivating an environment that is beautiful, safe, and functional-one that inspires students, faculty, alumni, and visitors alike.

A well-maintained campus is more than just aesthetics-it reflects the university's commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the preservation of its rich history. The Assistant Director will be responsible for conserving and protecting natural resources, overseeing exceptional grounds operations, and enhancing the university's entry points, high-visibility areas, and the exterior of academic spaces to ensure a welcoming and well-maintained campus environment.

With numerous historically significant buildings across campus, landscaping efforts are approached with precision, care, and unwavering attention to detail, ensuring that every element aligns with the university's rich heritage and academic mission. Through innovative grounds management, this role ensures the campus remains a thriving, sustainable, and inspiring environment.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary steward of campus grounds and an effective leader with expertise in groundskeeping, irrigation, pest control, horticulture, and sustainable landscape management. They will understand the vital role landscaping plays in shaping the university's identity and preserving its historic significance. With strong leadership and communication skills, they will direct and inspire teams of groundskeepers to maintain a visually stunning, environmentally responsible, and functional campus. Their innovative approach will ensure continuous improvement and operational effectiveness while honoring the university's legacy, creating a welcoming and engaging outdoor environment.

Workplace Requirements

Candidates must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, push, lift, grasp, and reach for extended periods, with the ability to be on their feet for long hours. Responsibilities involve working in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and other seasonal elements. Must be available for early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as needed, to support campus events, emergency maintenance, and seasonal landscaping needs.

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating that all duties be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Hiring Range:

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $83,400 to $85,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 5+ years of experience in landscape design, Turf Management, and groundskeeping management
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Supervisory Experience

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain a clean, well-groomed landscape
• Expertise in eco-friendly landscaping, water conservation, and waste reduction practices
• Strong organizational skills for managing campus improvements and finances
• Ability to identify issues, implement solutions, utilize weather data, document maintenance procedures, and enhance campus landscape strategies
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration
• Ability to track, report, and resolve maintenance issues efficiently
• Capacity to lead special repairs and modification projects with strategic oversight
• Familiarity with groundskeeping machinery and tools, including mowers, trimmers, irrigation systems, and pest management equipment
• Good computer skills to produce electronic purchase orders and manage electronic payroll, including the ability to create spreadsheets, memoranda, and adequately utilize Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field
• 5 years of experience, with 3 years or more in a supervisory capacity
• One or more certifications in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Pest Control Applications, etc.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Proficiency in landscape design software and other relevant technology
• Proven expertise in sustainable landscape practices and integrated pest management
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

Essential Functions

• Plan and execute all grounds maintenance activities, including mowing, pruning, planting, irrigation, pest control, and general upkeep
• Manage and oversee assigned budgets, procurement activities, and maintenance recordkeeping, ensuring cost-effective operations and optimal resource allocation
• Implement and oversee integrated pest management (IPM) and agronomic strategies to minimize chemical use and promote ecological balance
• Ensure staff compliance with safety protocols, fostering a culture of workplace safety and best practices
• Lead, develop, train, and support groundskeeping staff, cultivating a positive and productive work environment
• Monitor maintenance equipment inventory, supplies, and preventative maintenance schedules to optimize performance and longevity
• Conduct training sessions on sustainability, landscape maintenance, and safety procedures
• Collaborate with campus departments, students, faculty, and staff to ensure seamless operations and effective coordination for campus events and shared landscape responsibilities
• Develop and manage waste reduction and recycling programs within groundskeeping operations
• Prepare and oversee comprehensive annual groundskeeping plans and weekly schedules for all campus landscape activities
• Conduct routine inspections of campus grounds to ensure landscaping and maintenance work meets university standards, providing feedback and recommendations to staff and contractors for continuous improvement
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.