Grounds/Landscape Supervisor (SOG/ST 5)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Deputy Governor-General’s Secretary (Private), the Landscape/Grounds Supervisor is responsible for landscaping and maintaining the King’s House grounds, to provide a beautiful backdrop for National and Civic ceremonies, Royal and State Visits, Meetings, Tours and other events undertaken by the Office. The areas include the outer and inner entrance ways to King’s House, inner roadways, Teardrop Garden, The Governor-General’s Garden, Ceremonial Garden, Hardwood Garden, Banyan Lawn, Ceremonial Lawn, West Lawn, Office areas and adjoining Car Parks and the East Pasture. 

The incumbent organizes, trains and directs assigned staff, to assure effective operations, and that the highest level and quality of service is accorded to Their Excellencies, guests and staff. This role requires technical knowledge of landscaping structures, landscape design, ornamental plants, ground cover, plant care and pest control procedures, and the operation of landscaping tools and equipment. 

The incumbent seeks to achieve the job purpose by embracing, demonstrating and contributing to the Vision of the Office of His Excellency The Governor-General and Staff: “A culture of excellence through people performance and partnerships”. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Monitors Their Excellencies weekly, monthly and annual diaries, in order to keep abreast of, and ensure optimal response time and preparedness of lawns, gardens and related areas required for the range of activities hosted at King’s House; 
• Provides leadership and supervisory oversight for assigned staff, to ensure the prescribed courtesies, customer service standards, discipline and protocol are observed, and the required procedures for tasks are executed in keeping with established standards; 
• Develops, implements and conducts ongoing review of the Standard Operating Procedures Manual for the Grounds, to include all areas under portfolio responsibility;
• Defines and implements work schedules for all assigned Staff; 
• Manages the inventory of landscape tools and equipment. Documents and exercises control over the daily distribution and return of each item; 
• Reports all damages to tools and equipment, in keeping with established procedures. Implements corrective actions as required. 
• Contributes to the Organization’s Operational Plan and Budget; 
• Prepares and submits to the Deputy Governor-General’s Secretary (Private), weekly reports on Landscape/Grounds activities, in keeping with established timelines. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Defines, implements and supervises work schedules for the cutting and/or resuscitation of lawns, pruning of shrubs and trees, preparation of beds and the introduction of plants, the application of chemicals (fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) essential for plant health; 
• Monitors assigned staff to ensure appropriate use of protective gear and adherence to established health and safety standards; 
• Supervises the installation of appropriate landscape designs for all areas of the property;
• Oversees the implementation and maintenance of appropriate irrigation systems for the grounds, with due consideration for the conservation of potable water;
• Sources and recommends for procurement, supplies of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, seedlings, seeds and other supplies required for the grounds; 
• Establishes and maintains the greenhouse with adequate supplies of healthy seedlings and plants to meet needs in the residence, office areas and for events. Manages the rotation of plants in all areas and sees to the ongoing nurturing and propagation of existing and new plants; 
• Identifies and recommends the acquisition of tools and equipment to improve landscaping efficiencies and output; 
• Identifies and recommends for procurement, appropriate plant food and pest control chemicals, to maintain and improve output; 
• Conducts quality checks for all assigned tasks in all areas under portfolio responsibility;
• Establishes and maintains compost sites by co-ordinating the removal and disposal of non-degradable materials; 
• Provides the required support for layout and movement of items before and after events, in collaboration/consultation with the Events Co-ordinator; 
• Co-ordinates with the Property Administrator, for the periodic maintenance of all tools and equipment, in keeping with established maintenance schedules. Maintains service records. 

Departmental Human Resource: 

• Assesses training needs and recommends training interventions for assigned staff, in keeping with operational objectives. Provides on-going coaching for assigned staff;
• Carries out performance evaluation processes for assigned staff; 
• Conducts job specific orientation for new staff; 
• Establishes regular meeting schedule with staff, to motivate, impart information, exercise disciplinary control and address concerns; 
• Carries out any other related duties assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Loyal, composed, trustworthy with demonstrated integrity. 
• Able to lead, manage, organize, set priorities, multi-task and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizing and planning skills, with an eye for detail. 
• Able to anticipate customer needs, change goals and direction quickly. Effective problem-solver 
• Able to apply good judgment, negotiate, exercise initiative and cope well under pressure.
• Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form with persons at all levels.
• Confidential and professional in personal conduct and execution of duties.
• Computer literate. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Diploma in Horticulture, Landscaping, Agriculture or related discipline, from a recognized tertiary institution. Certification by HEART/NSTA Trust desirable; 
• Three (3) years progressive experience managing landscaping operations for a large property, within the hotel industry or related field; 
• Supervisory training and experience; 
• Valid General Driver’s Licence and/or experience operating typical landscaping equipment (forklift, tractors, back-hoe, zero-turn mowers, etc.); 
• Experience in operating landscaping tools. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• This job is outdoors. Direct exposure to varied weather conditions is to be expected (e.g. sun, rain, wind, heat, etc.); 
• The Landscape/Grounds Supervisor is expected to lead by example and take a non-traditional approach to working hours. This means that he or she may be required to work a flexible schedule, which will include, at times, long hours, working on weekends and Public Holidays; 
• This position requires solving problems that arise, spending long hours on one’s feet and often having to lift heavy objects. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.