Job Details

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

Join Point Loma Nazarene University as our next Grounds Manager and take the lead in cultivating a safe, sustainable, and stunning campus environment across our San Diego locations. If you're a proactive, relationship-driven leader with a passion for excellence and stewardship, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

Join Point Loma Nazarene University as our next Grounds Manager and take the lead in cultivating a safe, sustainable, and stunning campus environment across our San Diego locations. If you're a proactive, relationship-driven leader with a passion for excellence and stewardship, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Salary:
Pay range $68,640 - $75,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Internal Classification: Career Track - Manager, Job Level - 1

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

What We're Looking For:

• A collaborative leader who thrives in team-oriented, service-minded environments

• Experience managing large-scale grounds or landscape operations across multiple sites

• Familiarity with sustainable landscaping and horticultural best practices

• Ability to mentor and train staff and student workers in safety and operational standards

• Skilled in coordinating with campus departments for landscape and event support

• Strong organizational skills to manage work plans, schedules, and project timelines

• Capacity to oversee vendor relationships and third-party contractors

• Experience supporting athletic field maintenance and understanding field safety requirements

• Ability to stay current on environmental and safety regulations related to groundskeeping

• Proactive mindset for identifying maintenance needs and initiating timely solutions

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred

What You'll Be Doing:

• Supervising and developing Grounds staff and student workers

• Planning and executing seasonal landscaping strategies across all campus grounds

• Leading daily operations for lawn care, irrigation, pruning, and planting

• Conducting inspections to ensure consistent quality and safety standards

• Managing the care and readiness of athletic fields in coordination with Athletics staff

• Overseeing grounds-related purchasing and contributing to budgeting processes

• Maintaining compliance with pesticide and fertilizer regulations

• Supporting campus-wide events through strategic landscaping coordination

• Collaborating with campus stakeholders to enhance outdoor spaces

• Representing Grounds in cross-departmental meetings and planning efforts

Qualifications:

• A degree in Horticulture or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Minimum of four years of professional experience in groundskeeping or landscape management, including at least two years of supervisory experience

• Demonstrated experience in budget management and expenditure tracking is preferred

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners

• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment and contribute to a culture of service and mutual respect

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant .

• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform both administrative and hands-on tasks, including extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking outdoors.

• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, monitor, and telephone.

• Visual acuity to read printed materials and electronic documents; auditory ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

• Ability to stoop, bend, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds as needed during daily operations.

• Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions typical to outdoor campus environments.

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God's love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

About Us

PLNU offers more than stunning ocean views! We are a Christian community committed to calling and academic excellence through Christ-centered education.

Community Life Covenant

The Point Loma Nazarene University community is, and intends to be, a decidedly Christian community, as exhibited by our shared beliefs, corporate practices, and Christ-like character. Point Loma Nazarene University captures this in its Community Life Covenant . PLNU retains the right to exercise religious preference in employing faculty and staff who agree with and support the religious mission of the University. You may find it helpful to learn more about our sponsoring denomination: Church of the Nazarene .

If you are a current employee of PLNU, please log in to your Workday account. Type "Browse Jobs" in the search bar to apply through the internal posting.

Non-discrimination Policy

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide quality educational and employment opportunities, PLNU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education.

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