Assistant Gardener

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition benefit program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota’s Landcare unit is seeking an Assistant Gardener to perform campus grounds maintenance including tree care, irrigation, turf management, and snow removal on the Twin Cities campus. The role requires outdoor, hands-on work with limited indoor tasks and potential for essential duties.

Ideal candidates have a High School Diploma and one year of gardening or grounds maintenance experience, plus a valid driver's license and the ability to lift 50 lb and operate landscape

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School Diploma or equivalent and 1 year in commercial gardening/grounds maintenance.
• Experience as a lead worker.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Physical ability to twist, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, reach overhead, squat, kneel.
• Ability to use a computer and mobile device.

Responsibilities

• In-field outdoor work as part of a Teamster staff and student workers to maintain campus grounds.
• Care for beds, plant, weed, mulch, prune, and fertilize; manage irrigation and snow removal.
• Mow, edge, aerate, seed, and fertilize turf; operate landscape equipment.
• Provide full-service tree care including planting, pruning, removals, and health care treatments.
• Inspect and maintain irrigation systems; install and retrofit projects as needed.
• Indoor duties include daily email checks, calendar management, GIS maps, and safety training.

Skills

High school diploma

Lead worker experience

Valid driver's license

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Computer and mobile device literacy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 9/22/26 and 9/30/26

Landcare is an operations unit within FM responsible for exterior campus maintenance and design on the Twin Cities Campus. The Assistant Gardener position performs campus grounds maintenance duties including tree care, ornamental horticulture, landscape construction, irrigation repairs, turf management, hard surface maintenance and litter, and snow removal. The Assistant Gardener works closely with the Supervisor, Senior Gardeners, Gardeners, and Student Workers involved in the maintenance and operations of campus grounds. The descriptions listed below do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

In Field Work - 95%
Work outdoors as part of a team of full-time Teamster staff and part-time student employees to care for the campus grounds. Crews have various areas of focus, and daily tasks could include the following:

• Care for annual, perennial, and shrub beds including planting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, and applying fertilizer and pesticide.
• Clean and maintain hard surface areas to remove sediment, organic debris, litter and trash.
• Mow and weed whip turf areas; aerate, edge, seed, and apply fertilizer and pesticide.
• Provide full-service tree care including planting, pruning, removals, preservation, and health care & chemical treatments.
• Repair, maintain, and adjust irrigation systems including seasonal start-ups and blowouts.
• Establish and maintain naturalized areas such as urban meadows, bio‑filtration basins, and alternative turf.
• Install and restore campus project sites including large-scale planting, small hardscaping, irrigation installation & retrofit, and construction staging.
• Perform snow removal on campus sidewalks, loading docks, or streets using plows, brooms, blowers, shovels, and salt spreading equipment.
• Assist with waste management for outdoor events such as football tailgating, Homecoming, and Welcome Week activities.
• Frequently operate landscape equipment such as trucks, trailers, utility vehicles, carts, mowers, skid steer loaders, chainsaws, weed whips, hedge trimmers, leaf vacuums, blowers, snow plows, snow brooms, snow blowers, salt spreaders, and more.
• Ensure continuous jobsite safety and efficiency while working in close proximity to people on campus in a busy, urban environment.
• The employer retains the right to change duties or assign other duties to this position.
• This job may be designated as essential.

Non-field Work - 5%
While the primary functions of this position are performed outdoors, a small amount of time is spent indoors throughout the week including the following:

• Utilize computers and mobile phones daily to monitor email, view & respond to calendar events, consult GIS maps, and communicate through various electronic documents.
• Conduct thorough equipment and vehicle inspections weekly, report deficiencies to the in‑house mechanic, and perform basic equipment maintenance tasks.
• Complete required, monthly safety training in a timely manner using both in‑person and online sessions.
• Attend meetings on‑site or in‑person to collaborate with team members and learn about upcoming priorities.

Physical and environmental requirements
Work is performed outdoors and may be exposed to hazardous weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow and extended hours during the winter months for snow removal. PPE may be required at times.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications

Required (minimum) qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in commercial gardening, grounds maintenance, or related field.
• Experience as a lead worker.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Ability to twist, bend, stoop, climb ladders, lift up to 50 pounds regularly, reach at and above shoulder height, squat, and kneel.
• Ability to use a computer and mobile communication device.

Preferred qualifications

• Valid MN pesticide applicator license (categories A & E).
• Knowledge of horticultural practices, plant identification, pruning, integrated pest management, and pesticide application.
• Knowledge of commercial snow removal practices and equipment operation.
• Experience operating landscape equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to interact and communicate with fellow employees, management, customers, and the general public in a courteous, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, demeanor, and public image when performing services for customers and the general public at the University.
• Experience working in a decentralized work environment.
• Ability to work in a team environment, lead and motivate part‑time student employees, and prioritize landscape work.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Relevant industry credentials (e.g. ISA Certified Arborist, MNLA, Pro‑Hort, etc.).

About the Department

The University of Minnesota's Facilities Management (FM) department is responsible for the physical assets of the University to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming campus for learning and discovery. We ensure a quality environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors in support of the University's mission of teaching, research and outreach. Landcare presents a beautiful, safe and accessible exterior environment for campus users throughout the year. Our mission is to provide efficient, cost effective stewardship of natural and built campus assets.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.08 to $29.17 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022‑2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.