
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $17.61 - $21.13
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Job Description
This position is offered by a university dedicated to providing an environment that not only fosters academic excellence but also maintains a beautiful and sustainable campus environment. The institution values both education and the well-being of its community, seeking to ensure that its grounds and properties reflect the standards of excellence that extend beyond the classroom. The role is situated within the university's Facilities department, which is entrusted with the upkeep and enhancement of campus infrastructure, contributing significantly to the university's image and the comfort of its students, staff, and visitors.
The role of the Gardener/Horticulturist is a full-time, non-exempt position that plays a pivotal part in maintaining the university's outdoor spaces through skilled gardening and horticultural practices. Located on a vibrant campus where maintenance of landscape quality is essential for safety, aesthetics, and environmental health, this role involves performing a variety of tasks including pruning, trimming, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. The employee will be involved in maintaining lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant installations, ensuring that the grounds remain healthy and visually appealing throughout the year.
The position requires not only technical competency in groundskeeping work but also adherence to university policies, safety standards, and core values. Employees in this role are considered essential personnel, expected to demonstrate flexibility by working outside normal schedules in emergencies or for planned overtime as needed. The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a requirement for adaptability to meet operational demands.
Candidates will find this position rewarding if they have a genuine interest in horticulture, practical experience, and a commitment to dependable and thorough work ethic. With a starting salary graded between $17.61 and $21.13 per hour, the role offers a competitive wage within the framework of higher education facilities management. This position offers the opportunity to take pride in creating and preserving scenic, functional, and safe outdoor environments which directly impact the campus community's daily experience. Joining this university means becoming part of a team that prioritizes quality, safety, sustainability, and community engagement across all its facilities operations.
The role of the Gardener/Horticulturist is a full-time, non-exempt position that plays a pivotal part in maintaining the university's outdoor spaces through skilled gardening and horticultural practices. Located on a vibrant campus where maintenance of landscape quality is essential for safety, aesthetics, and environmental health, this role involves performing a variety of tasks including pruning, trimming, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. The employee will be involved in maintaining lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant installations, ensuring that the grounds remain healthy and visually appealing throughout the year.
The position requires not only technical competency in groundskeeping work but also adherence to university policies, safety standards, and core values. Employees in this role are considered essential personnel, expected to demonstrate flexibility by working outside normal schedules in emergencies or for planned overtime as needed. The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a requirement for adaptability to meet operational demands.
Candidates will find this position rewarding if they have a genuine interest in horticulture, practical experience, and a commitment to dependable and thorough work ethic. With a starting salary graded between $17.61 and $21.13 per hour, the role offers a competitive wage within the framework of higher education facilities management. This position offers the opportunity to take pride in creating and preserving scenic, functional, and safe outdoor environments which directly impact the campus community's daily experience. Joining this university means becoming part of a team that prioritizes quality, safety, sustainability, and community engagement across all its facilities operations.
Job Requirements
- H.S. diploma or GED required
- Associate's degree in horticulture or related field preferred
- 2-4 years prior gardening and landscape maintenance or training at a college, university, county, city or commercial facility
- Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to produce a driving record with minimum 3 years of driving history in good standing
Job Qualifications
- Strong verbal communication and listening skills
- Proficient in English written and verbal communication skills
- Highly thorough and dependable
- Practical knowledge and/or training in gardening and horticultural practices and procedures
- Practical knowledge and/or training in pruning, trimming, watering, fertilization and pest control of lawns, shrubs and trees
- Knowledge of the safe use and operation of hand and power tools used in groundskeeping
- Exercises behavior in accordance with university policies and safety standards
- Intermediate Virginia pesticide license within 90 days
- Valid Driver's License with minimum 3 years of good driving history
Job Duties
- Performs skilled gardening, horticultural tasks and manual work necessary to maintain university properties
- Prunes, trims, waters, fertilizes and controls pests of lawns, shrubs, and trees
- Operates hand and power tools used in groundskeeping safely
- Follows university policies, Facilities Missions, and Core Values in all work
- Adheres to safety standards and demonstrates safe work habits
- Works flexible hours including emergency and planned overtime as required
- Maintains records of pesticide use and obtains intermediate Virginia pesticide license within 90 days
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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