Groundskeeper Supervisor

About the job

The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$23.863
Job Posting:
JR2026-00029777 Groundskeeper Supervisor (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-24-2026
Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) seeks a driven, experienced Groundskeeper Supervisor to take ownership of the grounds at NDOT headquarters. Under general to limited supervision, you will supervise groundskeeping operations and assigned employees. You will be responsible for performing grounds maintenance duties and may perform semi-skilled to skilled building and equipment maintenance work as needed.

We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

Pay range is $23.863 - $35.792 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES

• Assign/supervise work activities and monitor schedules of assigned employees to achieve work objectives, priorities, and completion of assignments, and to balance workloads and leave schedules.
• Train, guide, and counsel assigned employees to develop their performance capacities and ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and standards.
• Apply employee selection and performance management criteria and procedures to evaluate applicant capabilities and employee performance, recommend personnel actions, and record/document assessments.
• Confer with contractors to evaluate contracted work to be done, obtain price quotes, and inspect work in progress and at completion.
• Schedule and/or perform preventative maintenance for equipment and machinery to ensure that necessary inspection, adjustments, and replacement of parts are made prior to malfunctions or safety hazards having occurred.
• Estimate time, cost, and materials needed to install, replace, repair, or modify equipment and/or buildings and give input to determine whether work should be done.
• Order supplies, materials, and equipment to maintain adequate stock levels of commonly used items and obtain unusual or special-purpose items for specific jobs to be performed.
• Oversee and perform grounds maintenance work including watering, mowing/trimming grass, seeding, fertilizing, applying pesticides, planting, weeding flower beds, raking, and trimming trees/shrubs.
• Install and maintain underground sprinkling systems, including repairing broken sprinkler lines and replacing sprinkler heads, risers, and valves.
• Perform, assign, and inspect ice, snow, and debris removal from sidewalks, streets, and grounds using snow removal equipment; determine when to call employees during on- and off-hours for emergency snow removal.
• Operate and maintain machinery, equipment, and tools needed to perform work assigned, such as lawn mowers, dump trucks, motorized carts, chain saws, wood chippers, snow removers, powered shears/edgers, and sprayers.
• Perform semi-skilled to skilled repairs and adjustments on a variety of machines and equipment.
• Complete work orders and administrative work records to ensure proper billing of time and materials and recording of employee hours and material costs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: Experience or coursework/training in the maintenance and care of grounds, lawns, plants, trees, and shrubbery, and in maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Two years' experience and proficiency in groundskeeping activities and operating the equipment and tools listed above.
• Experience and working knowledge of maintaining a safe working environment and promoting safe work practices.

• Other:
• Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Possession of specific certifications, e.g., EPA Commercial Applicator Certification for General and Ornamental & Turf.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Knowledge of :
• Groundskeeping and horticultural practices.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of grounds maintenance and building and mechanical trades.
• Safe use of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides.
• Types and varieties of trees and plants.
• Care of flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Soil preparation, plant diseases, and destructive insects.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of grounds maintenance and building and mechanical trades.

• Skills in :
• Must have effective communication skills.

• Ability to :
• Interpret and follow instructions.
• Make routine decisions required to keep the work group processing, explain work assignments to other employees, and resolve interpersonal problems on the crew.
• Recognize safety hazards and take steps to correct the situation.
• Supervise, evaluate, plan, organize, assign, and inspect the work of assigned employees.
• Determine the appropriate grounds maintenance procedures.
• Estimate time, cost, and materials required to complete work.
• Do heavy physical labor and work outdoors for long periods of time.
• Communicate and express ideas.
• Operate hand tools, groundskeeping equipment, and motorized vehicles.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.