Take pride in your work—and your community! San Juan County is looking for a dedicated Grounds Foreman to lead the daily care and maintenance of County parks, open spaces, and public-use grounds. This hands-on leadership role combines outdoor work, crew supervision, and project coordination to keep our community spaces clean, safe, and beautiful.
As Grounds Foreman, you’ll plan work schedules, operate equipment, oversee landscaping, and support irrigation system maintenance. You’ll also mentor and lead a hardworking crew while ensuring safety, efficiency, and top-quality results.
We offer competitive pay, full benefits, overtime opportunities, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a real difference every day. Enjoy a role that keeps you active, engaged, and proud of what you do.
What we’re looking for:
5+ years in grounds or landscape maintenance
Leadership experience
Strong knowledge of irrigation systems & equipment
Ability to work outdoors in all weather
CDL & Herbicide Applicator License preferred (or ability to obtain)
Ready to grow your career and help shape the spaces your community enjoys?
Education and Experience Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED and five (5) years of experience in landscape and grounds maintenance that includes irrigation and sprinkler systems, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to complete the primary job functions.
- Have or an ability to obtain within 90 days the New Mexico Herbicide Public Applicator’s License.
- Preferred to carry a valid State of New Mexico CDL-Class A or B License.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:
- Regularly stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crawl, climb, and use hands; must hear, speak, and see clearly. Operate tools, equipment, and vehicles.
- Lift up to 50 lbs. frequently; over 80 lbs. with assistance.
- Work outdoors in all weather; exposure to noise, fumes, chemicals, and mechanical hazards; PPE provided.
- Subject to rotating weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call duty.
- Utilize, process, and navigate the County’s electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions:
- Supervises assigned parks maintenance workers, community service workers, and temporary employees; provides leadership, training, motivation, direction, and performance evaluations.
- Plans, assigns, and coordinates the work of grounds crews; develops work schedules, monitors progress, and adjusts assignments as needed.
- Develops and standardizes work procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness; enforces departmental policies, safety regulations, and health standards.
- Communicates official policies and procedures to staff and the public; coordinates work activities with other departments and agencies; responds to public inquiries professionally and accurately.
- Assures duties are completed within budget constraints; oversees the effective use of personnel, equipment, supplies, and time; assists in projecting resource needs and securing appropriate materials.
- Provides hands-on leadership at work sites; assists with tasks, resolves errors or complaints, and ensures quality and safety standards are met.
- Ensures tools, vehicles, and equipment are properly maintained and in safe working condition; operates a County vehicle as required.
- Oversees and assists with mowing, weed control, seeding, fertilizing, soil conditioning, top dressing, pest and weed control, and general grounds upkeep.
- Oversees and assists in the maintenance, repair, and installation of sprinkler systems and irrigation lines.
- Prepares and maintains accurate records, logs, and reports on daily operations, projects, maintenance schedules, and staffing activities.
- Maintains positive working relationships, promotes teamwork, and addresses staff concerns and grievances constructively.
- Provides courteous and effective service to the public and internal stakeholders; builds and maintains strong working relationships across departments and with the public.
- Regular, predictable attendance is required; performs related duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and purpose of the position.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of turf, tree, shrub, and flower care, including planting, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control.
- Knowledge of irrigation systems, including installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of sprinklers, drip lines, and related components.
- Knowledge of safe handling and application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in compliance with regulations.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices related to landscaping tools, equipment, and chemicals.
- Skill in supervising, training, and leading work crews effectively in the field.
- Skill in operating and maintaining landscaping equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and utility vehicles.
- Skill in reading and interpreting maintenance manuals, safety procedures, and work instructions.
- Skill in communicating clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Skill in planning and prioritizing daily tasks independently to meet schedules.
- Ability to perform strenuous outdoor labor in varying weather and terrain conditions.
- Ability to identify safety hazards and enforce safe work practices on site.
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
- Ability to use basic math for area measurements, supply estimates, and application ratios.