Florida State University: Director of Grounds Operations

Details

Director of Grounds Operations
Florida State University – Grounds
Visit our Facilities Page Today! - https://www.facilities.fsu.edu/
Responsibilities
Love What YOU DO at FSU
Florida State University is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to serve as Director of Grounds Operations.  Serving as a visionary steward of FSU’s physical environment, the Director oversees the cultivation of a campus landscape that reflects the excellence, heritage, and innovation of one of the nation’s premier research institutions, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best In-State Employers for 2025!
This role ensures the beauty, safety, and sustainability of FSU’s grounds through strategic planning, expert horticultural oversight, and collaborative leadership – exemplifying what it means to do meaningful work in service of a vibrant academic mission.

• Strategic Grounds Management
  Lead and coordinate all aspects of horticulture, landscape maintenance, irrigation, and tree care across university properties. Direct emergency response operations related to weather events that impact campus continuity.
• Landscape Standards & Planning
  Develop and implement landscape maintenance standards and schedules to optimize resource use. Create long-term strategic and master plans for campus landscape renewal and site improvements.
• Campus Landscape Architecture
  Serve as the University’s landscape architect, ensuring consistency with design standards. Collaborate with planners, architects, and facilities staff to review and approve landscape designs for new construction, renovations, and existing areas. Act as liaison with project managers and architects to integrate landscape design into capital projects. Maintain and update landscape sections of the University Design Guidelines.
• Budget & Vendor Management
  Develop and manage the annual budget for assigned areas, ensuring responsible allocation and expenditure of resources. Establish and oversee contracts with vendors and coordinate related services.
• Policy & Compliance Leadership
  Provide leadership in policy development and implementation for grounds operations. Interpret and administer policies from federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and five years’ experience related to facilities and/or grounds services or a Bachelor's degree and seven years of related experience.
• Two years of experience must be in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will hold a degree in one of the following fields and demonstrate most, if not all, of the following competencies:

• Landscape Architecture
• Horticulture
• Urban Design
• Turf Management

Core Competencies:
This role requires expertise in policy development, project planning, and facilities management, along with strong leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver with a deep understanding of compliance, budgeting, and emergency protocols. From landscape design to conflict resolution, this role brings a well-rounded approach to managing complex challenges and driving organizational success.
Candidates with relevant licensure and/or professional certifications are strongly preferred.
Why FSU?
Florida State University is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2025, one of only three universities in Florida to earn this prestigious distinction. This honor reflects FSU’s unwavering commitment to employee satisfaction, visionary leadership, and innovative talent strategies.
As one of the nation’s most elite R1 research institutions, FSU fosters a vibrant academic and professional community where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Founded in 1851, FSU is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. Joining FSU means becoming part of a dynamic environment where your work truly contributes to something meaningful, and where a brighter future begins today.

Learn more about our university and campuses.
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Anticipated Salary Range
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $115,000 to $145,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested candidates should submit their application via our career portal: https://jobs.fsu.edu and by searching Job ID 61164.  
If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self-Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history of up to ten years and education details, even if attaching a resume.
 
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.