Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri Career Overview
As a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator, you play an essential role in managing and overseeing the upkeep of outdoor areas, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Your responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall health of landscapes in parks, commercial properties, and other public or private spaces.
Key aspects of the Grounds Maintenance Coordinator role include:
Project Management: You coordinate maintenance schedules, manage resources, and oversee contractors and grounds staff. This includes planning for seasonal changes and implementing strategies to ensure efficient operations.
Quality Assurance: Monitoring and evaluating the condition of grounds and facilities falls under your purview. You assess the effectiveness of maintenance practices and make adjustments to improve landscaping health and safety.
Resource Allocation: Managing budgets and controlling expenditures related to landscaping and maintenance activities is critical. You ensure that resources are allocated effectively to meet operational demands while adhering to financial constraints.
Compliance and Safety: You ensure that all maintenance activities comply with local regulations and safety standards. This responsibility includes training staff on safety practices and environmental regulations.
Communication: A significant part of your role involves liaising with various stakeholders, including property owners, municipal agencies, and maintenance teams. You also cultivate community relations to foster a positive perception of the maintenance efforts.
This position is vital to maintaining the quality and appeal of outdoor environments, contributing to the overall health and enjoyment of community spaces. Your leadership and expertise ensure that landscapes are not just well-kept but also promote sustainability and biodiversity, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Grounds Maintenance Coordinator Salary in Missouri
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri
To pursue a career as a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator, you will need to have specific educational qualifications and training that cater to the field. The following college degree programs are relevant:
Ground Transportation: This program covers the use and maintenance of transportation systems, including how they relate to grounds maintenance equipment. Understanding vehicle operation and maintenance can be beneficial for coordinating transportation within grounds maintenance.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping: A degree in this field focuses on the principles of landscape design, plant identification, and the management of grounds maintenance operations. This foundation is vital for organizing landscaping projects and ensuring the health of various plant life in outdoor settings.
Turf and Turfgrass Management: This program emphasizes the cultivation and care of turfgrass, a key component in maintaining athletic fields, parks, and golf courses. Knowledge gained from this degree will equip you with the necessary skills for overseeing turf quality and maintenance processes.
Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy: This degree provides insight into environmental conservation and resource management, which is essential in grounds maintenance. Understanding environmental regulations and sustainable practices can enhance your ability to manage grounds while adhering to policies that protect natural resources.
In addition to these degree programs, you may also benefit from internships or practical training experiences that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Engaging in hands-on learning opportunities will further prepare you for the responsibilities of a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator.
Best Schools to become a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri 2024
University of Denver
Oregon State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Valencia College
American Public University System
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities.
- Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.
Grounds Maintenance Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Missouri
Horticultural Knowledge: You should possess a solid understanding of plant types, growth cycles, pest management, and disease prevention. This includes knowledge of native Missouri flora and ecology.
Project Management: Effective planning, organizing, and overseeing of maintenance projects will be essential. You need to set timelines, manage budgets, and allocate resources efficiently.
Leadership Skills: As a coordinator, you must demonstrate strong leadership abilities to manage your team, provide guidance, and foster a collaborative work environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital. You will need to regularly interact with team members, supervisors, contractors, and potentially the public, requiring both verbal and written skills.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions is important. Challenges may arise in project execution or resource management that require quick and effective resolution.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with landscaping and maintenance equipment, as well as basic machinery operation, will enhance your effectiveness on the job. Understanding irrigation systems and landscape design software is also beneficial.
Safety Awareness: You should have a strong understanding of safety protocols related to grounds maintenance and landscaping. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) and understanding chemical handling and application procedures.
Time Management: You need to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and ensure all maintenance activities are completed in a timely manner.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail will ensure high-quality work. You must be able to assess the condition of landscapes and identify areas that need improvement.
Teamwork: Collaborating well with others, including maintaining positive working relationships with team members and other departments, is vital for successful project completion.
Budget Management: You should understand how to manage financial resources, from estimating project costs to tracking spending and finding cost-effective solutions.
Customer Service Orientation: You might interact with the public and stakeholders; thus, a focus on customer service can help you address their needs and concerns effectively.
Job Duties for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators
Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Resource Management
- Managing your time and the time of other people
- Selecting and managing the best workers for a job
Social
- Changing what is done based on other people's actions
- Teaching people how to do something
Job Market and Opportunities for Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri
The job market for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators in Missouri reflects a steady demand in various sectors. As communities and businesses prioritize outdoor spaces, the need for skilled professionals in grounds maintenance continues to grow. Key factors influencing this demand include:
Increasing Public and Private Investment: Many local governments and private entities are investing in parks, recreational facilities, and commercial landscapes, fueling the need for competent grounds maintenance teams.
Focus on Sustainability: With an increasing emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainable landscaping practices, Grounds Maintenance Coordinators are essential in implementing eco-friendly maintenance programs, which is attractive to employers.
Aging Workforce: The industry is facing an aging workforce, which creates opportunities for new professionals entering the field as experienced coordinators retire.
Growth potential in this field remains robust, characterized by several important trends:
Expansion of Landscaping Services: Many landscaping companies are diversifying their services to include specialized grounds maintenance, increasing job opportunities for coordinators with unique skills and understanding of advanced landscaping techniques.
Urban Development Projects: As cities like St. Louis and Kansas City expand, there is a rising demand for grounds maintenance to manage new parks, commercial areas, and residential developments.
Seasonal Demand Fluctuation: There are opportunities for seasonal and year-round employment due to the cyclical nature of landscaping work, allowing for varied employment experiences.
Geographical hotspots for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators in Missouri include:
St. Louis: As a major metropolitan area, St. Louis offers numerous opportunities in parks, sports facilities, and commercial landscaping projects.
Kansas City: Another urban hub, Kansas City sees significant investment in landscaping for urban renewal and commercial expansion, creating several jobs in grounds maintenance.
Springfield: Known for its extensive park systems and community green spaces, Springfield's commitment to outdoor beautification adds to the demand for grounds maintenance services.
Columbia: With a growing population and an active focus on maintaining public spaces, Columbia presents opportunities for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators in both public and private sectors.
By assessing these trends and hotspots, you can better position yourself in the job market for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators in Missouri.
Top Related Careers to Grounds Maintenance Coordinator 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
- Website: landscapeprofessionals.org
- A valuable resource for industry standards, best practices, and professional development opportunities in landscape management.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- Website: dnr.mo.gov
- Provides information on environmental regulations and resources for maintaining green spaces in Missouri.
The Grounds Maintenance Journal
- Website: groundsmaintenance.com
- A publication featuring articles on the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in grounds maintenance.
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Website: asla.org
- Offers resources for landscape architecture and design, which can be beneficial for understanding comprehensive landscape management.
Missouri Botanical Garden
- Website: mobot.org
- Access research, plant care information, and sustainable practices relevant to grounds maintenance.
National Turfgrass Federation
- Website: ntf.org
- Provides research and resources related to turf management and maintenance.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Website: epa.gov
- Offers guidelines and regulations regarding environmentally friendly landscaping and grounds maintenance practices.
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
- Website: pgms.org
- A professional organization dedicated to the grounds management profession, offering certification, training, and networking opportunities.
Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association (MLNA)
- Website: mlnagardens.org
- A state-specific organization providing resources and networking for landscaping professionals in Missouri.
Extension Services - University of Missouri
- Website: extension.missouri.edu
- Offers research-based information on horticulture, turf management, and sustainable landscaping practices.
Utilize these resources to deepen your understanding of the field, stay informed on industry trends, and connect with other professionals in grounds maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri
What are the primary responsibilities of a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator? As a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator, you are responsible for overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor spaces. Your duties may include planning maintenance schedules, supervising grounds maintenance staff, managing budgets, coordinating landscaping projects, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
What qualifications are needed to become a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator? Typically, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, although an associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape management, or a related field can be beneficial. Relevant experience in grounds maintenance and leadership roles is also important.
What skills are essential for success in this role? Essential skills include strong organizational abilities, effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, and a good understanding of landscaping techniques and equipment. Physical stamina and the ability to work in various weather conditions are also necessary.
Is certification necessary for this career? While certification is not always required, obtaining certifications such as the Landscape Industry Certified Technician or Certified Grounds Manager can enhance your qualifications and may be preferred by employers.
What is the typical work environment for a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator? You will primarily work outdoors, managing landscapes, parks, or other outdoor facilities. You may also spend time in an office setting for administrative tasks and planning.
Are there opportunities for advancement in this career? Yes, there are various advancement opportunities. With experience, you could move into higher supervisory roles or management positions within landscape companies, parks departments, or property management firms.
What is the average salary for a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri? Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and employer, but the average salary for a Grounds Maintenance Coordinator in Missouri typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
What types of employers hire Grounds Maintenance Coordinators? Employers include landscaping companies, municipal parks departments, educational institutions, residential property management firms, and golf courses.
What is the job outlook for Grounds Maintenance Coordinators in Missouri? The job outlook is generally positive, as there is a continuous demand for grounds maintenance in various sectors. Residents and businesses alike require well-maintained outdoor spaces, leading to ongoing opportunities in this field.
What should I include in my resume when applying for this position? Highlight relevant experience in grounds maintenance, leadership roles, project management, and any applicable certifications. Detail your skills in equipment operation, landscape design, and safety compliance to make your application stand out.