Grounds & Landscaping Supervisor

The Grounds & Landscaping Supervisor is responsible for the overall appearance, maintenance, and beautification of all outdoor spaces at Shepherd of the Hills, including landscaped grounds, ponds, water features, trail systems, and special event installations such as the Trail of Lights. This role leads and supervises groundskeeping crews, coordinates with external water feature vendors, and ensures that all outdoor environments reflect the high standards of our guest experience. This role takes a proactive approach to preventative maintenance and weed management, scheduling, and seasonal planning to ensure our property is safe, beautiful, and welcoming year-round.

Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance

• Oversee all mowing, trimming, edging, and lawn care operations across all Shepherd of the Hills properties and venues.
• Manage planting, maintenance, and seasonal rotation of flowers, shrubs, trees, and ornamental plantings.
• Develop and execute a preventative weed management program, including pre-emergent application schedules, herbicide treatments (where licensed), and manual weed control plans.
• Ensure all pathways, entrances, and guest-facing areas are maintained to a high aesthetic standard at all times.
• Plan and manage seasonal landscaping projects and coordinate with management on property beautification initiatives.
• Directly supervise and coordinate the daily activities of groundskeeping staff, including mowing crews, flower and garden staff, and general grounds personnel.
• Foster a team environment that emphasizes safety, pride in ownership, and exceptional guest-facing presentation.

Ponds, Waterfowl & Water Features

• Oversee the health, cleanliness, and appearance of all on-property ponds, including algae control, water quality monitoring, and debris removal.
• Manage the welfare of waterfowl and other wildlife inhabiting or frequenting pond areas; coordinate with appropriate authorities or vendors for wildlife concerns as needed.
• Supervise and maintain all water features including falls, fountains, and decorative water installations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all water feature vendors and contractors; schedule and oversee vendor visits, maintenance calls, and seasonal startups/shutdowns.
• Maintain documentation of vendor contracts, service schedules, and maintenance logs for all water features.

Trail of Lights & Special Installations

• Lead grounds preparation, layout coordination, and installation support for the Trail of Lights seasonal event.
• Coordinate with the production and events teams to ensure all outdoor areas are prepared, safe, and aesthetically ready for Trail of Lights operations.
• Oversee post-event breakdown, storage of lighting and installation materials, and restoration of grounds following the event season.
• Identify and address any grounds-related safety or maintenance concerns during Trail of Lights and other special event periods.

Equipment, Supplies & Budget

• Maintain inventory of all grounds equipment, tools, and supplies; schedule preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs.
• Monitor supply levels for fertilizers, herbicides, mulch, and other landscaping materials; submit purchase requests as needed.
• Operate within assigned departmental budget; track expenditures and communicate variances to management proactively.
• Ensure all equipment is operated safely and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and company safety policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the essential operations of Grounds & Landscaping.
• This position is responsible for direct reports (groundskeeping crew members).

Required

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or a related field, with at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Valid Missouri driver's license; must be insurable under company vehicle policy.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary.
• Strong communication skills; ability to coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal departments.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check in accordance with company policy.

Preferred

• Associate's degree or vocational training in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field.
• Experience with pond maintenance, water features, or aquatic management.
• Familiarity with weed control programs, herbicide application, and integrated pest management practices.
• Missouri Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across seasonal and operational demands.
• High attention to detail with a guest-first mindset and pride in property presentation.