Senior Campus and Grounds Technician

Kemin is currently seeking a Senior Campus and Grounds Technician to join our team in Des Moines! This role is responsible for preserving the visual appeal and functionality of campus grounds and buildings through routine inspections of landscaping, infrastructure, and security areas. The successful candidate will coordinate daily operations of the grounds utility team, distribute resources efficiently, and ensure the shop remains organized and operational. They will also support small construction projects from initial planning to final execution. Compliance with GMP and ISO standards, along with a steadfast commitment to safety, quality, and operational protocols, is essential. The position demands strict adherence to procedures and policies, ensuring a secure, well-maintained, and effective working environment. 

The ideal candidate will bring hands on experience in grounds maintenance, including lawn care and snow removal operations, along with a strong mechanical aptitude for operating and servicing related equipment. 

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. 

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

• Coordinates a team to maintain campus grounds and facilities, ensuring clean, safe, and well-manicured exterior areas. Performs routine maintenance on buildings and outdoor features—including ponds, fountains, walkways, restrooms, and debris removal with minimal supervision.
• Distribute daily work assignments based on priority and crew and equipment availability.
• Guide and train junior utility staff in safe and efficient work practices.
• Maintain and service snow removal, lawn and garden equipment, as well as light trucks and trailers.
• Operate machinery such as forklifts, skid-loaders, mowers, and snow removal equipment; troubleshoots and resolves equipment issues, as needed.
• Operate and maintain hand and power tools, ensuring all equipment is safe, functional, and regularly inspected or serviced as needed
• Utilize a complex campus-wide irrigation system, ensuring proper watering for a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowers.
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize system performance, as well as plan and oversee installation or upgrades as needed.
• Oversee and provide any assistance on maintaining all plant beds, trees and grasses.
• Coordinate with departments and events staff to plan and execute logistical support for campus.
• Serve as lead staff member responsible reviewing assigned tasks of crew on a daily basis.
• Assist with hazardous waste removal, meeting room setup, ordering supplies, stocking conference rooms, safety glasses and copy paper.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external vendors, contractors, and customers to ensure alignment with campus goals and standards.
• Identify and assist in implementing strategies to reduce maintenance expenses without compromising quality.
• Support small campus projects, including new construction and remodel construction.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned. 

• Education and Experience:
  
  • High School Diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of related experience
• Commercial Applicator License required.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Detail oriented, ability to lead others, organized, planning and preparation skills and motivated by accomplishments.
• Facility Grounds Experience, Grounds Utility Shop(Shop Foreman) Experience, Irrigation Experience preferred. 
• Mechanically inclined, experience working a wide variety of lawn and snow removal equipment and mowing machinery.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and support less experienced staff.
• Proficient in basic math and familiar with computers, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Hazardous material knowledge, Safety and OSHA training, First Aid/ CPR AED training.
• Must have good attendance record, ability to work with minimum supervision, and a high level of accountability for their work.
• Must be proficient in English with ability to read and write effectively.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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