Sr. Superintendent of Grounds, Irrigation

Who We AreFounded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.The Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) provides services and support to over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff with the mission of advancing UCI's brilliant future and the vision of becoming world-class campus partners. DFA serves the university as planning partners, problem solvers, and solutions providers - striving to make it as easy as possible for people to get the services they need, when they need them. Facilities Management is responsible for the effective operation of Irvine campus buildings, grounds and utilities; for providing a safe, functionally suitable and aesthetic environment in support of academic, research and public service programs of the University. Providing comprehensive management of campus facilities requires the employment of approximately 325 personnel ranging in classification from custodians and groundskeepers to more technical skilled crafts such as electricians and plumbers, and professional design staff and engineers. These services cover more than 150 buildings of approximately 6 million gross square feet, and1,475 acres of grounds. Facilities Management has an annual operating budget exceeding $80 million in expenditures, with operating funds of $30 million and $15 million for reimbursable campus activities. Project Services a construction department within Facilities Management manages a portfolio of major infrastructure and renovation projects totaling $200M per year. Your Role on the TeamThe Grounds Sr. Superintendent is a strategic leadership role responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and equipment operations across UC Irvine. This position leads implementation of the UCOP 2024 Integrated Pest Management Policy, ensuring compliance with tiered pesticide use classifications, reporting requirements, and environmental stewardship standards. The sr. superintendent oversees certified pesticide handlers, manages compliance through the UC Pesticide Use Authorization platform, and provides staff training on IPM practices. In addition to IPM oversight, the role manages all aspects of grounds and irrigation operations, establishing performance metrics, supervising union-represented staff, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance, and supporting sustainability and campus aesthetics. The position also oversees the full lifecycle of grounds and irrigation equipment, including inspections, documentation, replacement planning, and compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and environmental responsibility. What It Takes to be Successful Required:Solid knowledge in IPM pest control / irrigation / landscape / groundskeeping services.Solid verbal and written communication skills in the English language, including active listening, flexibility, and critical thinking, and ability to multi-task and ensure effective time management.Solid decision making and reasoning skills, and ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and conduct operations analysis and quality control analysis.Solid and effective interpersonal and work leadership skills to provide guidance to other personnel.Strong ability to provide plant and pest identification.Intermediate computer applications skill.Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others to maintain solid productivity and high morale.1-3 years in a supervisory roleAbility to work in changing environment which may require re-prioritization of daily operations, and management of competing priorities.High school diploma and / or equivalent certification / experience / trainingDriver's License:Required to hold a valid drivers license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Preferred:Academic prep in horticulture.Bloodborne pathogen and sharps disposal training.Experience working in and/ or supervising in a union environment.Experience working in a university setting, including the ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.Bilingual communication (verbal and written) in Spanish.ExperienceA minimum of 3 years of experience progressively responsible experience in landscape or grounds operations, RequiredA minimum of 3 years of experience managing or implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, including regulatory compliance and pesticide use oversight RequiredA minimum of 3 years of experience irrigation system management, including operation of central control systems, water conservation auditing, and maintenance of large- and small-scale irrigation equipment. Required1-3 years in a supervisory role Required Special Conditions:Must possess California Driver License and participate in DMV Pull Notice program.QAL/QAC (Qualified Applicators License/Certificate -- pesticide applicators license or certificate) required. Total CompensationIn addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.The expected pay range for this recruitment is $88,000.00- $124,800.00 (Annual). Conditions of Employment:The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:Background Check and Live ScanEmployment Misconduct*Legal Right to work in the United StatesVaccination PoliciesSmoking and Tobacco PolicyDrug Free Environment*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting ActE-VerifyPre-Placement Health EvaluationDetails of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.phpClosing Statement:The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu. Consideration for Work Authorization SponsorshipMust be able to provide proof of work authorization