Grounds Manager

Description:

GROUNDS MANAGER

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)

With deep gratitude and respect, I am honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and work to expand Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and within our 107 schools and programs, where more than 50,000 students learn and grow, of which nearly 5% identify as being of Indigenous ancestry. The Vancouver School Board (VSB), respects, prioritizes, and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.

At VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems. Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. More than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts.

Our commitment to students goes beyond academics. Students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging are equally important. We strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we seek to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/ .

 THE OPPORTUNITY: GROUNDS MANAGER

Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities, the Grounds Manager is responsible for managing and supervising all VSB Facilities grounds maintenance and repair activities. This includes overseeing horticultural areas, tree maintenance, fencing, sports fields, playgrounds, parking lots, drainage systems, irrigation systems, and walkways. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective leadership, strategic planning, and operational management within a fast-paced, unionized environment, with a strong focus on safety, people leadership, and efficient fleet management within the department.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and control Grounds maintenance operations to ensure efficiency and safety. 
Ensure compliance with applicable school district regulations and procedures.
Recommend appropriate staffing levels for the Grounds Maintenance team.
Supervise, mentor, and provide training to staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Collaborate with the Executive Director of Facilities and HR/LR on hiring, promotions, and employee management.
Prepare and present operational reports for the existing budgets, projects planning and management.
Manage the annual operating budgets for Grounds Maintenance and assist in budgeting to obtain annual facilities grants and capital replacement grants, ensure efficient operation of the operating fund with full control of the incurred actual costs of labor and materials pertaining to each budget.
Develop and implement effective maintenance programs and safety protocols to ensure a reliable and inclusive workplace environment.
Foster positive relationships with schools, community members, and external partners.
Coordinate ongoing operational needs with the City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation and Engineering Departments.

Safety Protocols 

Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive safety protocols for all Grounds maintenance activities based on the existing district’s health and safety policies and in compliance with existing safety regulations from work safe BC, including possible environmental regulations and affects due to the Grounds personnel activity. 
 Conduct regular safety training sessions and workshops for Grounds staff to ensure adherence to safety standards and procedures. 
 Perform routine safety inspections of all Grounds maintenance equipment and facilities to identify and mitigate potential hazards. 
 Ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by all Grounds staff. 
 Maintain up-to-date records of safety training, incidents, and corrective actions based on the existing protocols. 
 Collaborate with the district’s health and safety officer to stay informed about the latest safety regulations and best practices. 
 Promote a culture of safety awareness and accountability among all Grounds maintenance staff. 
 Ensure a safe environment for the school aged communities within VSB Facilities Grounds. 

People Leadership 

Inspire and empower teams through effective motivational strategies, fostering a culture of high engagement and achievement.
Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and belonging, building a caring and respectful workplace.
Provide clear and consistent communication with staff, ensuring they are informed and engaged.
Recognize and celebrate team and individual achievements to boost morale and productivity.
Address and resolve conflicts in a fair and timely manner, promoting a positive work environment.
Encourage collaboration and teamwork, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common goals

Fleet Management

Oversee the efficient management of the Grounds maintenance fleet, ensuring vehicle availability and reliability based on the information from the fleet foreperson.
Collaborate with the fleet mechanics’ foreperson to schedule regular maintenance and repairs.
Monitor fleet usage and implement strategies to optimize vehicle allocation and reduce downtime.
Manage fleet-related budgets, including fuel, maintenance, and replacement costs.
Ensure compliance with all relevant transportation regulations and safety standards.
Coordinate with the District’s Risk Management director on fleet insurance claims and related matters.
Maintain accurate records of fleet operations, including maintenance schedules, usage logs, and incident reports.