Grounds Manager
(Administrator I)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $75,000 - $95,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

Job Summary

This position is covered by the Management Personnel Plan, assigned to Administrator I level. Reporting to the Director of Facilities Operations and Services, the incumbent will support the mission of the department and the university as a working manager overseeing and coordinating the work of a grounds staff of 25+ individuals who maintain the campus landscapes and grounds, the Campus Arboretum, and the Athletics NCAA Division I fields and facilities.  Work is performed under general direction. The Grounds Manager has assigned management and full supervisory responsibilities for the daily coordination and delivery of grounds and landscape services.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Horticulture, landscape maintenance and development, tree care, plant identification, plant diseases, pest and weed control.
  • Performance and Sport Turf management.
  • NCAA Sport turf rules and regulations.
  • Centralized irrigation system operations and controls.
  • The theory, principles, practices, and methods used in parks and grounds maintenance in a higher education campus.
  • State and Federal laws pertaining to the use of restricted pesticides including CA Department of Pesticide Regulation (CA DPR).
  • State and Federal laws pertaining to water use, water discharge, storm water and related storage systems.
  • Principles of institutional planning and budget processes.
  • Working knowledge of or the ability to learn campus infrastructure, policies, and procedures including the Facilities Management’s Facilities Link work control system, and procurement processes.
• Skills:
  • Manage multiple complex projects and assignments in a consultative, efficient, and effective manner.
  • Exercise leadership and work as a team member.
  • Motivate others with and without line authority using strong interpersonal skills.
  • Plan, organize, schedule, and monitor the work capabilities of assigned staff.
  • Work effectively in a highly consultative and diverse environment.
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Skills in conflict resolution.
  • Establish and maintain files and prepare activity reports.
  • Monitor contracts.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, and Facilities Link software programs.
• Ability to:
  • Ability to track and coordinate highly detailed projects in a well-organized and efficient manner.
  • Ability to learn and understand comprehensively the principles, practices, and procedures of a large statewide university system; ability to adapt to change.
  • Perform work involving physical activity on a regular basis.
  • Work various shifts including weekends to meet the needs of various jobs and projects.
  • Respond to campus problems requiring immediate attention and coordinate responses as needed.
  • Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license with a good driving record.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents.
• Five years of experience leading/supervising/managing a department that maintains the grounds for a large institutional facility, golf course or municipal park utilizing a customer-oriented and service-oriented attitude.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, park management, or related field.
    • Pest Control Advisor’s License (PCA), Qualified Applicator Certificate (OAC)
    • ISA certified Arborist.
    • Advanced degree in a related field.
    • Knowledge and experience in Sport Field Management.

Department Summary

Fresno State Facilities Management is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports the operational needs of our campus community.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by May 7, 2025 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)