This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, South Campus, and Campus Saint-Jean, Edmonton.
As the Manager, Grounds, you serve as the primary steward of the University’s living landscape, reporting directly to the Director of Buildings, Technologies & Grounds. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll cultivate a "Green Campus" by guiding a team of over 30 staff members through everything from the precision care of a 5,800-tree inventory and elite sports fields to the high-stakes logistics of northern-climate snow removal. Beyond the greenery, you are a savvy "change agent" responsible for leading, inspiring team, managing service contracts, navigating multi-year capital budgets, and collaborating with the University Architect to ensure our landscape design is as functional as it is beautiful. If you have 10+ years of facilities experience and the grit to balance horticultural expertise with complex stakeholder relations and labor management, we invite you to help us root the University’s future in solid ground.
The Campus Operations & Services team supports the University of Alberta through a range of essential services and works for operating, maintaining and renewing infrastructure across our campuses.
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Strategic Team Leadership: Direct and inspire a diverse team of over 30 staff , overseeing recruitment, professional development, and labor relations while fostering a culture of care, safety and compliance with provincial health and safety regulations.
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Financial & Contract Stewardship: Manage the unit’s operating and capital budgets, including the Capital Maintenance Renewal (CMR); oversee the procurement process and manage annual service contracts to ensure cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
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Operational Excellence: Lead the year-round maintenance and repair of campus grounds, including elite sports fields, ornamental gardens, and a complex northern-climate snow and ice control program.
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Technical Consultation & Project Oversight: Act as the primary technical advisor for landscape design and capital renovation projects, collaborating with University planners and external consultants to ensure all infrastructure—from roadways to sidewalks—aligns with long-term campus standards.
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Environmental & Asset Management: Steward the "Green Campus" initiative by managing specialized assets, such as the 5,800-tree inventory program and critical maintenance databases, while developing three-year long-range plans for site upgrades and renewals.
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Education & Certification: Degree/Diploma in Horticulture or Landscape Design and a professional designation (APPA, BOMA, or IFMA).
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Experience: 10+ years in landscape facility management with a proven track record in leadership and labor relations.
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Technical Expertise: Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, northern climate snow removal, and high-level horticultural/sports turf care.
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Business Acumen: Advanced skills in financial management, contract negotiation, and interpreting technical blueprints.
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Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and writing skills to provide expert advice across all University levels.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $78,382 to $130,629.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
