Manager, Grounds

Job Description:

Manager, Grounds

Description

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community!

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. As a leader you will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles . If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Grounds directs campus-wide landscape operations, supervises staff, coordinates maintenance and projects, and ensures compliance with standards. The role supports events, manages resources, and collaborates with university stakeholders to maintain safe, functional, and visually appealing outdoor environments.

• Supervises, plans and schedules the work of subordinates assigned to grounds and landscape maintenance, operating and maintaining equipment and campus operational needs regarding landscape work.
• Oversees pest control operations and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and safety standards.
• Evaluates the performance of subordinates; counsels subordinates on job performance, attendance, adherence to rules and regulations and matters pertaining to corrective action.
• Prepares weekly and monthly activity and man-hour reports for submittal to the Assistant Director Grounds.
• Maintains an accurate inventory of campus urban forest, grounds tools, grounds equipment, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, keys and other materials pertinent to the operation of the Grounds shop.

• As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

*NOTE: To view the full position description copy and paste this link into your browser: https://mycsun.box.com/s/savtapa7cspcdoo2arj3ufojerryv2y5

Qualifications:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a job-related field preferred.
• Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible professional/administrative experience. Additional professional/administrative experience may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Pest control, arborist, horticulture, and/or master gardener certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, and pest control practices.
• Project management and operational planning skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities.
• Analytical and reporting skills (e.g., Excel, workforce tracking).
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

• Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
• The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $89,000 - $99,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
• The individual hired for this role will physically work on-campus in Northridge. This is not a telecommute position.

General Information

• This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position may be considered a 'limited 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.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
• Applications received through April 8, 2026, will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University 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 and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.

Work with purpose at the CSU.
Your career can change lives, communities, and futures. Watch why CSU is more than a job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VXk4PPlSl4

Advertised: Mar 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: