Grounds Manager in Training, SSC / Multiple Locati
- Tennessee
- Permanent
- Full-time
- We are hiring immediately for a Grounds Manager in Training position.
- Perks: SSC invests in our employees with training and growth opportunities, but the benefits don't stop there, SSC offers a comprehensive benefits package and we are also excited to offer same day pay! At SSC we truly believe that our people are our greatest asset.
Step into a career where you can grow your leadership skills and make a lasting impact on campus landscapes through our Grounds Manager in Training (MIT) Program. This 12-month, hands-on experience is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are eager to develop the skills needed to become an Assistant Director in facilities management.As a Grounds MIT, you'll gain comprehensive exposure to grounds operations, sustainability practices, and team leadership. From maintaining turf and landscapes to managing seasonal projects and client relationships, this program provides a career-launching opportunity to learn every aspect of grounds management in a people-first organization.Who We're Looking For
Our Grounds MITs are adaptable, hands-on problem solvers who thrive in outdoor environments and are excited to grow into leadership. We look for:
- Adaptability: Thrives in diverse accounts and seasonal changes.
- Communication: Builds trust with teams, leadership, and clients.
- Analytical Thinking: Applies logic to scheduling, budgeting, and project planning.
- Leadership Potential: Shows readiness to confidently guide teams.
- Mobility: Embraces travel, relocation, and career growth opportunities.
The Grounds MIT Program is more than training-it's the start of your career in facilities leadership. Over 12 months, you'll develop technical expertise, business knowledge, and the leadership skills to take on responsibility for teams, projects, and client relationships. If you're passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, and leading people, this is your opportunity to grow with a company that truly puts its people first.What You'll Learn & DoOperations & Procedures
- Gain hands-on experience in turf care, landscaping, irrigation, and equipment operation.
- Learn seasonal tasks and sustainability best practices.
- Supervise grounds crews and contractors.
- Build skills in training, coaching, and safety management.
- Develop skills in cost estimating, vendor management, and project planning.
- Strengthen your understanding of budgeting, labor management, and reporting.
- Adapt to regional and seasonal differences in grounds management.
- Build confidence in project management and client service.
- Months 1-4: Field immersion; learn equipment operation, safety, and seasonal processes.
- Months 5-8: Lead small crews; practice scheduling, work order management, and reporting.
- Months 9-12: Step into acting supervisor responsibilities with client exposure, cost estimating, and small project leadership.
You'll gain real-world experience by:
- Managing a small crew for a full week, including scheduling and safety oversight.
- Leading a seasonal grounds project (e.g., mulch install, snow prep, irrigation startup/shutdown).
- Creating a cost estimate for a small landscaping project.
- Presenting a grounds improvement proposal to a client.
- Successfully leads a crew with no safety incidents.
- Demonstrates accurate work order and schedule tracking.
- Submits a budget draft for labor and seasonal supplies.
- Earns positive client feedback on improvement proposals.
- Validates technical skills in equipment operation and irrigation troubleshooting.
At program completion, MITs must demonstrate mastery of 80-90% of operational and leadership competencies, complete all stretch assignments, and receive positive client/mentor evaluations. Successful graduates are then eligible for promotion into Assistant Director roles within the grounds service line.Enhance your quality of life through our comprehensive benefits:
- · Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- · 401K with Company Match
- · Disability Insurance
- · Life Insurance/AD
- · Associate Shopping Program
- · Health and Wellness Programs
- · Discount Marketplace & Employee shopping program
- · Identify Theft Protection
- · Pet Insurance
- · And More…