Operations Manager - Horticulture

Job Description

Aramark is seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager – Horticulture to lead and oversee all landscape and horticultural operations at Alabama A&M University, ensuring the campus maintains exceptional beauty and environmental standards. This role is responsible for supervising and developing a horticulture team, managing greenhouse operations, coordinating planting, pruning, irrigation, and pest management programs, and executing long-term landscape improvement plans.

Job Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Supervision

  • Manage, train, and schedule groundskeeping staff
  • Provide coaching, performance management, and safety oversight
  • Coordinate daily operations and assign work priorities

  Grounds Maintenance

  • Oversee lawn care, tree and shrub maintenance, planting, and irrigation systems
  • Maintain athletic fields, courtyards, walkways, and green spaces
  • Ensure campus grounds meet high aesthetic and safety standards

  Seasonal Operations

  • Manage snow and ice removal operations (as applicable)
  • Plan and execute seasonal plantings and landscape enhancements
  • Oversee leaf removal and weather-related campus preparation

  Campus Support & Events

  • Coordinate grounds preparation for campus events, ceremonies, and tours
  • Ensure grounds are presentable and accessible for all campus activities

  Equipment & Resource Management

  • Oversee maintenance and usage of landscaping equipment and vehicles
  • Manage inventory of tools, supplies, and materials
  • Ensure proper storage and safety compliance

  Sustainability & Compliance

  • Promote environmentally responsible landscaping practices
  • Ensure compliance with local regulations and campus policies
  • Support sustainability initiatives (e.g., water conservation, native plantings)

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field
• 2–5 years of relevant experience, and strong expertise in plant science, soil health, and landscape design
• Experience with landscaping equipment and maintenance procedures
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.