POSITION SUMMARY:
The Grounds Manager reports to the Director of Grounds / Community General Manager and plays a key leadership role within the Martis Camp Community Association (MCCA), overseeing the daily operations, planning, coordination, and execution of landscape and grounds maintenance operations throughout the community.
This is not a routine landscape management position. It is an opportunity to help lead and care for one of the most remarkable private mountain communities in the country - a 2,177-acre community near Lake Tahoe featuring parks, trails, recreation amenities, gathering spaces, water features, and extraordinary year-round natural environments.
The Grounds Manager supervises landscape teams and contractors while helping shape the property's overall appearance, environmental stewardship, safety, and long-term care. This exempt level role combines leadership, horticulture, project management, operational planning, member interaction, and four-season mountain operations in a setting that feels less like a traditional job and more like managing a private national park.
The ideal candidate brings a balance of hands-on field leadership, operational discipline, horticultural expertise, and pride in maintaining exceptional outdoor environments with high presentation standards.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Grounds Operations & Team Leadership 35%
Lead and oversee daily grounds maintenance operations throughout the community.
Supervise, mentor, schedule, and support grounds team members and contractors.
Maintain exceptional presentation standards across parks, trails, gathering spaces, landscaped areas, recreation amenities, road corridors, and common areas.
Coordinate and oversee pruning, planting, annual and perennial color programs, turf maintenance, irrigation operations, and native landscape management.
Assist with snow operations, seasonal transitions, and weather-related operational preparedness.
Monitor property conditions and proactively identify maintenance priorities and improvement opportunities.
Landscape Stewardship & Environmental Management 25%
Support long-term stewardship and preservation of Martis Camp's native mountain landscape environment.
Oversee irrigation system operations, troubleshooting, repairs, and water management practices.
Assist with forestry operations, defensible space initiatives, erosion control, and environmental compliance programs.
Coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure alignment with community standards and environmental objectives.
Support Best Management Practices (BMPs), Firewise initiatives, and sustainable landscape management strategies.
Project Management & Operational Coordination 20%
Lead and coordinate landscape improvement projects, seasonal enhancements, and operational initiatives.
Assist with planning and execution of capital improvement and infrastructure-related landscape projects.
Coordinate logistics, materials, vendors, and staffing resources for grounds-related projects and community events.
Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments, including Roads, Forestry, Security, Club Grounds, and Facilities teams.
Support operational planning for peak summer and winter seasons while minimizing disruption to members and residents.
Member Experience & Community Presentation 10%
Maintain a visible and professional presence throughout the property.
Interact professionally and courteously with members, guests, residents, and staff.
Help create outdoor environments that enhance the overall member experience and reflect Martis Camp standards.
Support community events and special projects as assigned.
Other Duties & Projects Assigned by Management 10%
Participate in special projects, operational initiatives, and departmental support activities as assigned.
Assist with emergency response, storm preparation, wildfire readiness, and seasonal operational needs.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE -
Landscape and Grounds Management: Knowledge of horticulture, turf care, pruning, irrigation systems, planting programs, and native mountain ecosystems.
Irrigation Operations: Understanding of irrigation troubleshooting, repairs, scheduling, and water management practices.
Environmental Stewardship: Familiarity with sustainable landscape practices, defensible space concepts, erosion control, and environmental compliance standards.
Operational Planning: Understanding of staffing coordination, scheduling, resource management, and contractor oversight.
Mountain Operations: Awareness of four-season mountain operational demands, including snow operations and weather-related impacts.
SKILLS -
Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a high-expectation environment.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with team members, vendors, management, and residents.
Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and operational demands efficiently.
Problem Solving: Ability to assess conditions and proactively resolve operational and landscape issues.
Technical Proficiency: Competence using Microsoft Office products and operational tracking systems.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and adjust schedules based on weather, projects, and seasonal demands.
ABILITIES -
Exercise Independent Judgment: Make sound operational decisions with minimal supervision.
Lead Field Operations: Successfully manage crews and contractors in dynamic outdoor environments.
Maintain High Standards: Uphold Martis Camp's quality, safety, and presentation expectations.
Adapt to Seasonal Demands: Adjust operations based on changing mountain weather and seasonal priorities.
Work Outdoors: Ability to work extended hours outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Represent the Organization Professionally: Interact professionally with members, guests, vendors, and outside agencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND LICENSES:
Minimum 3-5 years of relevant landscape, grounds, or horticultural management experience.
Strong knowledge of pruning, turf management, planting, annual/perennial care, and native ecosystems.
Experience with irrigation systems, operations, and repairs.
Resource management experience and strong organizational skills.
Proficiency with PCs and Microsoft Office products.
Valid driver's license with insurability under company policy.
Strong written and verbal English communication skills; Spanish helpful but not required.
California DPR applicator certificate/license preferred, or willingness to obtain within six months of employment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to regularly lift up to 55 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in changing mountain weather conditions, including heat, cold, snow, rain, and smoke.
Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and active work environments.
Ability to operate safely around landscape equipment, vehicles, and operational work zones.
SCHEDULE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The strongest candidates will bring a blend of landscape leadership, horticultural expertise, operational discipline, and a commitment to creating memorable outdoor environments.
This position requires some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Summer workdays often begin around 5:30 a.m., with schedules shifting seasonally based on operations, events, projects, and weather conditions.
Possible housing assistance may be available.
BENEFITS:
Performance bonus opportunity
Possible member holiday fund bonus
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) with 7% match
Clothing/uniform program
Annual fitness bonus
Education and professional development reimbursement
Mobile phone stipend
Possible housing assistance
SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $120,000/yr
*Martis Camp Community Association is an equal opportunity employer
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