Grounds Maintenance Supervisor

Career Guide

A Grounds Maintenance Supervisor leads a team that keeps outdoor areas safe, clean, and attractive. This role plans daily work, checks quality, supports staff, and coordinates with property leaders to maintain lawns, landscapes, walkways, and outdoor facilities.

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Key Responsibilities

Plan and assign daily grounds work
Supervise and coach grounds staff
Inspect completed work and correct issues
Maintain lawn and landscape health
Coordinate seasonal services such as mulching and leaf removal
Oversee safe use of tools and equipment
Schedule routine equipment checks and basic upkeep
Order materials and track inventory levels
Coordinate with vendors for specialized services
Respond to urgent issues such as storm cleanup and hazards
Keep basic maintenance records and work logs
Support snow and ice control when required

Top Skills for Success

Team Leadership

Work Planning

Quality Control

Safety Management

Clear Communication

Time Management

Conflict Resolution

Hiring and Onboarding

Training and Coaching

Budget Awareness

Inventory Management

Vendor Management

Equipment Operation

Equipment Maintenance Basics

Irrigation Knowledge

Plant Care Knowledge

Pest Management Awareness

Snow and Ice Operations

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Facilities Supervisor

Landscape Operations Manager

Grounds Manager

Property Maintenance Manager

Parks Maintenance Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Facilities Manager

Operations Manager

Construction Superintendent

Project Manager

Environmental Services Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

EstimatingBudget TrackingPerformance ReviewsScheduling SoftwareIncident ReportingPreventive Maintenance PlanningVendor Contract BasicsDocumentation

Development SuggestionsBuild simple weekly routines for planning, inspections, and reporting. Ask to shadow a manager on budgets and vendor renewals. Practice writing clear work orders and documenting safety and quality checks. Learn one scheduling tool well and use it consistently.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 52,000

Mid LevelUSD 52,000 to 68,000

Senior LevelUSD 68,000 to 85,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, supported by ongoing needs in property management, parks, campuses, and public spaces. Hiring often increases seasonally and in regions with year round landscaping.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

BrightViewDavey TreeTruGreenABM IndustriesJLLCBREAramarkMarriott InternationalHiltonWalmart

Industry Sectors

Commercial landscaping servicesProperty managementParks and recreationSchools and universitiesHospitals and healthcare campusesHotels and resortsManufacturing and industrial sitesGovernment and public worksSports facilitiesHomeowners associations

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page weekly plan template for staffing, priorities, and site checks

Track three measurable outcomes such as response time, rework, and safety incidents

Build a seasonal calendar for mowing, pruning, irrigation checks, and cleanup

Document standard work steps for top recurring tasks and train the team on them

Refresh safety practices and run short weekly safety talks

Develop a basic inventory list with reorder points for common supplies

Practice vendor quotes comparison and maintain a simple vendor scorecard

Seek a recognized safety credential relevant to your region and employer requirements