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Certificate Program Overview
Are you launching a career in public grounds management?
Are you a seasoned pro who needs to upgrade your skills?
Are you looking for a way to stand out from colleagues or other job applicants?
The Rutgers Public Grounds Management Certificate is the solution for you!
Key Features of this Certificate
- Comprehensive Program – Complete ten classes designed to provide a solid foundation in the core skills needed to maintain and manage public grounds.
- Flexible Schedule – Do it all in one winter or take a few courses each season until you’ve completed the requirements!
- Total Cost – $2,515 (*Price is based upon early registration fee for each class.)
Certificate Program Requirements
Complete the following ten classes to earn the Public Grounds Management Certificate!
Pest Management of Landscape Turf
Learn how to effectively diagnose and treat insect, disease, and weed problems in turf before they create an eyesore.
Next offering is scheduled for March 28, 2025 – Register now!
Introduction to Pruning Techniques
Learn how to properly prune your landscape plants while preserving their natural vigor and beauty. Includes hands-on practice in Rutgers Gardens!
Next offering is scheduled for March 20, 2025 – Register now!
Hazardous Tree Identification
Learn how to identify and deal with hazardous trees to prevent avoidable accidents. Hands-on field instruction included!
Next offering is scheduled for December 13, 2024 and March 21, 2025 – Register now!
Introduction to Plant Identification
Learn plant classification and biology basics to better understand how plants and trees are grouped and identified. Includes hands-on field activities!
Next offering is scheduled for April 10 & 11, 2025 – Register now!
Soil and Plant Relationships
Gain an understanding of the practical aspects of soil science, along with strategies for proper plant selection.
Join our email list to be notified when the next offering of this course is scheduled!
Basics of Turfgrass Management
Learn practical applications of turf science, including prevention and control of pests, soil compaction, choosing turfgrass varieties, and more.
Join our email list to be notified when the next offering of this course is scheduled!
Pest Management of Ornamental Landscape Plants
Learn how to recognize and control diseases, weeds, and ornamental insect problems. Plant selection and pesticide regulation are also covered.
Next offering is scheduled for February 6, 2025 – Register now!
Landscape Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Learn about the philosophy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which reduces reliance on chemical pesticides as the sole method of controlling pests. Plus, discover practical strategies for implementing IPM.
Next offering is scheduled for January 21-23, 2025 – Register now!
*Only Day 1 of this course is required for the Public Grounds certificate program
Athletic Field Maintenance and Construction
Discover how to establish, maintain, and renovate athletic fields, with discussions on safety and legal issues, weed control, insect problems, and more.
Next offering is scheduled for February 12 & 13, 2025 – Register now!
Park Liability and Park Plants
Learn the preventative steps that will limit your liability in a park setting and keep you out of the courtroom, as well as some of the best plants to use in a park.
Next offering is scheduled for
February 4, 2025 – Register now!
Certificate Program Instructors
The instructors for this program include distinguished Rutgers faculty from the Departments of Entomology and Plant Biology, as well as Extension Specialists from Rutgers Cooperative Extension. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from experienced sports field experts, groundskeepers, and parks professionals. Visit each course page for details on the instructor’s background and qualifications.
Who Should Attend the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program?
This certificate program is recommended for individuals looking for foundational knowledge as they begin a career in public grounds management, as well as established professionals seeking formal training to enhance their skills. Part participants have included:
- Department of Public Works Employees
- Head Groundskeepers
- Parks Foremen
- Recreation Directors
- School Grounds Managers
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to apply for a certificate program?
A. No. You just register for the individual classes.
Q. How do I register for a certificate program?
A. You sign up for each class individually. The best way is to do it right here on our website.
Q. Do I need to take all of the classes within a certificate in one year?
A. No. Do it all in one winter, or take a few courses each season until you’ve completed the requirements!
Q. How is certificate completion tracked?
A. You will need to keep track of your courses taken.
When you think you’ve completed the certificate requirements, please email program coordinator Joe Canzano to tell him you have completed it and include the name of the certificate. He will check your attendance and confirm whether or not you have successful fulfilled the certificate requirements.
If you have not fulfilled the requirements, Joe will provide you a list of courses you still need to take.
If you have fulfilled the requirements, Joe will email your certificate to you within 3-5 business days.
If you have any questions about the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
