Director, Grounds Services Arizona State University Campus: Tempe JR117088 End Date: February 10, 2026 Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Description: This position serves as the Operational Leader for landscaping and grounds operations across all Arizona State University campuses, providing strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and risk management to ensure consistent quality, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Essential Duties: Serve as the enterprise Director for landscaping and grounds operations across all ASU campuses, providing centralized leadership, accountability, and strategic direction.
Establish and enforce university-wide standards, policies, and performance expectations for landscaping, grounds maintenance, and associated services.
Align grounds operations with ASU’s institutional priorities, sustainability goals, campus master plans, and brand standards.
Develop and implement eco-friendly, proactive landscaping and maintenance programs that align with ASU’s sustainability goals.
Develop, manage, and forecast enterprise-wide operating and capital budgets for landscaping and grounds operations.
Oversee lifecycle planning and asset management for grounds-related infrastructure, equipment, irrigation systems, and landscape assets.
Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities through standardization, contract optimization, and economies of scale.
Ensure fiscal accountability, cost predictability, and responsible stewardship of university resources.
Centralize oversight of grounds-related work, assets, contracts, and service delivery models across campuses.
Standardize materials, equipment, maintenance practices, and service levels to ensure consistency and quality.
Collaborate with Facilities Development & Management, Capital Planning, and Design & Construction teams to support new construction and renovation projects.
Provide leadership for recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development of grounds and landscaping staff.
Establish enterprise-wide training, certification, and safety programs to ensure consistent competencies and awareness.
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture while developing succession plans to ensure workforce continuity.
Identify and mitigate enterprise risks related to grounds operations, including safety hazards, environmental compliance, and deferred maintenance.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in coordination with Environmental Health & Safety.
• Coordinate emergency and weather-related response activities affecting campus grounds, landscapes, and outdoor assets.
Collaborate with university leadership and ensure campus venues meet high operational standards.
Serve as a key liaison with internal stakeholders and external vendors to align services with institutional needs.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to quality, cost, safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Provide regular reporting to Facilities Management leadership on operational performance, risks, budgets, and improvement initiatives.
DAYS AND SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM This position is based at ASU’s Tempe campus and may require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.
Salary range $105,000 to $115,000 per year, commensurate with experience and education.
ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.
Desired Qualifications Certification in grounds management, horticulture, or a related field (e.g., Certified Grounds Manager – CGM) Master’s degree in a related discipline Experience in: managing enterprise or multi-site grounds operations.
supporting facilities and large-scale venues developing and managing complex budgets Knowledge of: supporting facilities and large-scale venues Arizona climate conditions, sustainable plant species, irrigation systems, and water conservation practices Evidence of effective communication skills Working Environment Tasks may involve extended periods outdoors, exposure to extreme weather, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Some duties are performed in an office setting with extensive use of computers and university vehicles Department Statement: What’s in it for you? Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as a work/life balance? ASU offers the following: Flexible work schedules 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.
Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one.
For more information visit 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
More information available at Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Paid time for volunteer and professional development Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings Disability and leave program for income protection Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities.
FDM’s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university’s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment.
We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.
Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States.
Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.
This position is located at the Tempe campus, Tempe, AZ (on Rural Road south of Apache Blvd).
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment.
Post-offer of employment, the selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record, which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39-month period from the date of hire.
This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of all background checks, including fingerprint checks.
This position is based at ASU’s Tempe campus and may require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.
Driving Requirement: This position may require driving.
Employee must possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Instructions to Apply: Current Employees and Students should apply directly within Workday using the Jobs Hub.
Use this link and log in using SSO: $9925/9925$17718.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: Cover letter Resume/CV Note: Multiple documents can be submitted into the attachment box.
Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.
Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.
Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.
NOTE: GA and Intern positions are counted as .5 for job experience (ie.
1 year equals 6 months experience equivalency).
Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.
ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access.
This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves.
Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines.
ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city.
ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university.
For details visit All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.
ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 48
Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check. xsgimln
About Arizona State University Recognized by U.S.
News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.
To view full description or to apply please click this link:
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Description: This position serves as the Operational Leader for landscaping and grounds operations across all Arizona State University campuses, providing strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and risk management to ensure consistent quality, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Essential Duties: Serve as the enterprise Director for landscaping and grounds operations across all ASU campuses, providing centralized leadership, accountability, and strategic direction.
Establish and enforce university-wide standards, policies, and performance expectations for landscaping, grounds maintenance, and associated services.
Align grounds operations with ASU’s institutional priorities, sustainability goals, campus master plans, and brand standards.
Develop and implement eco-friendly, proactive landscaping and maintenance programs that align with ASU’s sustainability goals.
Develop, manage, and forecast enterprise-wide operating and capital budgets for landscaping and grounds operations.
Oversee lifecycle planning and asset management for grounds-related infrastructure, equipment, irrigation systems, and landscape assets.
Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities through standardization, contract optimization, and economies of scale.
Ensure fiscal accountability, cost predictability, and responsible stewardship of university resources.
Centralize oversight of grounds-related work, assets, contracts, and service delivery models across campuses.
Standardize materials, equipment, maintenance practices, and service levels to ensure consistency and quality.
Collaborate with Facilities Development & Management, Capital Planning, and Design & Construction teams to support new construction and renovation projects.
Provide leadership for recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development of grounds and landscaping staff.
Establish enterprise-wide training, certification, and safety programs to ensure consistent competencies and awareness.
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture while developing succession plans to ensure workforce continuity.
Identify and mitigate enterprise risks related to grounds operations, including safety hazards, environmental compliance, and deferred maintenance.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in coordination with Environmental Health & Safety.
• Coordinate emergency and weather-related response activities affecting campus grounds, landscapes, and outdoor assets.
Collaborate with university leadership and ensure campus venues meet high operational standards.
Serve as a key liaison with internal stakeholders and external vendors to align services with institutional needs.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to quality, cost, safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Provide regular reporting to Facilities Management leadership on operational performance, risks, budgets, and improvement initiatives.
DAYS AND SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM This position is based at ASU’s Tempe campus and may require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.
Salary range $105,000 to $115,000 per year, commensurate with experience and education.
ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.
Desired Qualifications Certification in grounds management, horticulture, or a related field (e.g., Certified Grounds Manager – CGM) Master’s degree in a related discipline Experience in: managing enterprise or multi-site grounds operations.
supporting facilities and large-scale venues developing and managing complex budgets Knowledge of: supporting facilities and large-scale venues Arizona climate conditions, sustainable plant species, irrigation systems, and water conservation practices Evidence of effective communication skills Working Environment Tasks may involve extended periods outdoors, exposure to extreme weather, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Some duties are performed in an office setting with extensive use of computers and university vehicles Department Statement: What’s in it for you? Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as a work/life balance? ASU offers the following: Flexible work schedules 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.
Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one.
For more information visit 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
More information available at Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Paid time for volunteer and professional development Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings Disability and leave program for income protection Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities.
FDM’s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university’s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment.
We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.
Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States.
Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.
This position is located at the Tempe campus, Tempe, AZ (on Rural Road south of Apache Blvd).
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment.
Post-offer of employment, the selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record, which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39-month period from the date of hire.
This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of all background checks, including fingerprint checks.
This position is based at ASU’s Tempe campus and may require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.
Driving Requirement: This position may require driving.
Employee must possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Instructions to Apply: Current Employees and Students should apply directly within Workday using the Jobs Hub.
Use this link and log in using SSO: $9925/9925$17718.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: Cover letter Resume/CV Note: Multiple documents can be submitted into the attachment box.
Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.
Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.
Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.
NOTE: GA and Intern positions are counted as .5 for job experience (ie.
1 year equals 6 months experience equivalency).
Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.
ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access.
This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves.
Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines.
ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city.
ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university.
For details visit All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.
ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 48
Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check.
Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check. xsgimln
About Arizona State University Recognized by U.S.
News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.
To view full description or to apply please click this link: