Groundskeeper/ Horticulturist

Role:
This position maintains campus grounds by performing grounds keeping and horticulture duties. This multidisciplinary
role involves managing plant health, maintenance of turf, hardscape, and water features.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Performs grounds keeping duties to ensure safety of the guests and the beauty of the campus
• Remove debris and trash from campus grounds daily.
• Seasonal tasks will include Fall cleanup, plowing snow and applying ice melt.
• Removes ice and snow from walks, roads and lots.
• Ensure pathways, stairs, outdoor seating and other structures are safe.
• Preparing outdoor areas for various weather conditions
• Follow all safety guidelines and personal protection requirements for the operation of equipment and chemicals.
• Perform landscaping duties as directed to include planting, lifting, weeding, plant care, water feature and hardscape care.
• Repair sprinkler system and service equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned including, event setup, working with Maintenance team on building projects and remodels. Being part of the Facilities emergency response team.

Performance Measurements:

1. To have a basic knowledge and understanding of all equipment necessary to perform assigned tasks and use the equipment in a knowledgeable way.

2. To be proactive in maintaining the campus grounds so that they are safe, clean, and in good condition at all times. Maintaining a "show-ready" appearance of all gardens and water features. Correcting defects when noticed or under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor.

3. To be courteous and professional with all visitors to campus.

Knowledge and Skills:
Experience: Up to six months of similar or related experience.
Education: A high school education or GED.
Interpersonal Skills: Normal courtesy and professionalism in dealing with others is required. Work involves minimal contacts, usually within the department. Contact usually involving routine, non-sensitive issues. External contacts are limited to incidental contacts with visitors, students and other campus staff.
Other Skills: Experience in facility maintenance, grounds and/or related environment preferred,
including knowledge of riding mowers, lawn tractors, gas-powered edger's and trimmers, lawn vacuum, hedge trimmers, utility vehicle, and various hand tools Minimizing equipment downtime through proactive preventative maintenance, Sustainability: Reducing water waste and chemical runoff through smart horticultural practices; general maintenance experience is desired with knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, auto mechanics, and appliance repair. Good communication skills are a plus. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, CDL preferred, and be able to pass MVR and background checks. Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 75 pounds; walk and/or stand for long periods of time, and climb, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl Work Environment: Must be able to work in all weather conditions and withstand extreme hot and cold working conditions, loud noise environments.