University Gardener
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/1021/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=493932&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us) Job No: 25136
Department: Facilities Management
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Labor/Service/Maintenance
Department: Facilities Management
Summary
Under the supervision of the Grounds Manager, coordinate the operations of the Gardens unit, including supervision of up to six student employees. Responsibilities include the maintenance of campus landscapes, including but not limited to performing routine weeding and maintenance of ornamental beds, green space, trees and athletic fields.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Perform a wide variety of skilled work in gardening operations including, but not limited to the following:
Planting, watering, weeding, and fertilizing of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs
Maintenance of indoor plant installations, including sanitation, pruning, fertilizing, and other indoor plant care
Amending soils, applying mulch, compost, and fertilizer
Dividing, propagating, and pruning perennials, trees, and shrubs
Supporting other special projects as assigned including aspects of landscape construction and installation
Perform a wide variety of skilled work using hand-held tools and equipment including, but not limited to the following:
Weed trimmer/Edger
Push Lawn Mower
Electric Chainsaw
Circular Saw
Reciprocating Saw
Drivers/Drills
Assist with the placement, care and maintenance of campus landscapes, including greenspace, ornamental beds, trees and athletic fields.
Provide direct supervision of gardens personnel, including interviewing, hiring, and training student staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; and addressing day to day staffing issues such as scheduling, time management, and problem resolution.
Procure and maintain unit inventory including plant material, equipment and gardening hardware, seasonal materials such as sod, mulch, fertilizer, and other supplies necessary to support and sustain the campus gardens.
Be responsible for connecting hoses to exterior spigots and placing and positioning sprinklers at select areas in campus gardens to ensure that areas are sufficiently irrigated and maintained.
Assist in Integrated Pest Management efforts, including monitoring, collection, sanitation, and applications of biological controls.
Coordinate with campus partners and Facilities Management staff to assess and design sustainable garden sites on campus.
Coordinate the preparation of floral arrangements for campus events such as commencement.
Create and manage and work orders through the University's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Provide excellent customer service to faculty, staff, students, and off-campus customers including answering questions, addressing requests related to the campus gardens and related initiatives.
Work irregular hours due to the nature of the position, including performing chemical applications during hours when activities on campus are minimal and weather permits.
Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work. Report all safety-related concerns to supervisor.
Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
High School diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
Must possess appropriate valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Required Experience
Demonstrated ability to use sustainable methods of gardening applicable at an institutional level.
Demonstrated understanding of unique environmental, habitat, native species, and ornamental design consistent with regional growing conditions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google suites.
Desirable Education and/or Experience
Three years of supervisory experience in commercial landscaping, gardening, or an equivalent combination of experience and comparable knowledge.
One year of project management experience including budget development, project planning, and implementation oversight.
Possession of a valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification.
Formal college education in subjects such as chemistry, biology, botany, dendrology, soil chemistry, landscape ecology.
Certifications or accreditations in landscape design, horticulture, or professionally recognized gardening or landscaping program.
Experience with facility operations and maintenance in a residential or institutional setting.
Experience inspecting completed work for conformance to specifications and standards and ensuring conformance to safety and sanitation regulations.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, including prioritizing and organizing work assignments and ensuring that work is completed on time and within budget.
Familiarity with maintenance management software and electronic work request ticketing system.
Prior safety training in any of the following:
Personal Protective Equipment
Ladder Use
Scaffold Use
Tree Trimming
Bloodborne Pathogens
Hazardous Substance and Spill Awareness
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
Knowledge of local weed identification, and perennials, annuals, bulbs, and houseplants.
Knowledge of plant diseases, pests, pest identification, and biological controls.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operation and maintenance manuals, and written instructions.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, summarize results and compose routine reports/correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequently changing work environments, conditions and work schedules.
Ability to work from general assignment and proceed with minimum supervision or direction from others.
Demonstrated success in working with persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment .
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
Ability to initiate action and render decisions efficiently.
Excellent relationship-building skills that allow for work with students and employees on sustainability issues and to develop a positive sustainability culture on campus.
Experience being a goal-oriented, self-disciplined, willing risk-taker with a genuine interest in the success of all students.
Knowledge of process improvement and business management.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and written/presentation skills.
Excellent work attendance record.
A positive attitude towards innovation and creativity, and a sense of humor.
Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills
Language Skills:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information in one on one situations to customers or employees.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
