Careers

Manager of Grounds

The Manager of Grounds is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the College of St. Joseph the Worker’s urban campus. This role serves as the nexus between high-level architectural planning and daily preservation. The Manager will not only maintain the status quo but will actively participate in revitalizing the campus and the city in one to become orderly, fruitful, and beautiful.

Core Responsibilities & Vision

1. Strategic Planning 

  • Budget: With VP Finance, develop and manage an annual grounds budget, balancing immediate maintenance needs with long-term capital improvement projects.

  • Campus Planning: Work directly with campus architect to develop a plan for the transformation of campus as well as a granular implementation roadmap.

  • Implementation: Provide boots on the ground feedback during the design phase to ensure long-term maintainability and structural integrity of landscape features, inclusive of irrigation, soil compaction, and plant selection. Implement urban drainage solutions (rain gardens, permeable surfaces) to manage runoff.

  • Seasonal Considerations: Prepare the campus for the liturgical seasons and major college and city events (Commencement, Solemnities, Advent Market, etc.), ensuring the grounds reflect the importance of the occasion.

2. Winter Operations & Safety

  • Lead the Plow Team during winter months, ensuring all campus walkways, parking lots, and entryways are cleared and salted before the start of the academic day.

  • Maintain and operate heavy equipment (trucks, plows, blowers).

3. Botanical Selection & Stewardship

  • Research and select plant species that are both suitable for the Ohio climate and rich in symbolic value in accord with the architect's masterplan.

  • Assist in the development of a Campus Flora Master Plan that prioritizes native species and year-round visual appeal.

4. Vendor Management & Procurement

  • Identify, vet, and manage external vendors for specialized tasks (e.g., masonry, irrigation, arborists, civils) as well as work with CSJW PM to ensure students are involved with the builds when fitting.

  • Negotiate contracts and ensure that all external work meets CSJW’s standards for craftsmanship.

Qualifications

  • Mission alignment: A deep resonance with the mission of St. Joseph the Worker and a desire to build something for the glory of Jesus Christ.

  • Experience: 10+ years in landscape management, civil construction, or facilities oversight.

  • Technical Skill: Proficiency with heavy machinery, basic irrigation systems, and a working knowledge of urban horticulture.

  • Communication: The ability to speak well to both a civil engineer and a student worker.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to alex@collegeofstjoseph.com