Assistant Gardener

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 33,379 - 38,820; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis is looking for an Assistant Gardener in the Facilities Management - Landcare Department. This position involves caring for grounds and gardens on the campus, including planting, maintaining landscaping, and operating various maintenance equipment.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma and relevant experience, along with a valid driver's license. The role offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package to eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience or education in commercial gardening or related field.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Lead worker experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with care of grounds and gardens.
• Perform lawn maintenance including mowing and aeration.
• Maintain irrigation systems and perform repairs.

Skills

Ability to repetitively lift and carry 50 lbs

Effective communication with supervisory staff

Experience leading student workers

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Education in commercial gardening or grounds maintenance

Tools

Skid steer

Mowers

Pruners

Job description

About the Job

Teamster priority period runs from March 1, 2022 - March 8, 2022

Assistant Gardener, Facilities Management - Landcare Department. Reports To: Landcare Maintenance Supervisor.

Overview: The assistant gardener has the responsibility of assisting with the care of the grounds and gardens on the University of MN Twin Cities campus.

Responsibilities: These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this work and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities in any position of this classification.

• Plants annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees.
• Maintains annual and perennial and shrub beds, including spreading mulch, pulling weeds, pruning, applying fertilizers to annuals and perennials, and picking litter.
• Mows, aerates and edges turf areas. Prepares lawn areas for seeding or sodding and lays seed or sod.
• Performs irrigation system maintenance checks and repairs as needed. Assists with irrigation start up and blow outs.
• Prunes trees and shrubs and operates the chipper.
• Installs and maintains storm water management gardens (BMP's).
• Operates ride and walk behind mowers, skid steers, edgers, weed whips, litter lifts, backpack blowers, shovels, rakes, pruners, saws, hand tools and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.
• Cleans and organizes facilities associated with Landcare.
• Other tasks as assigned.

This job may be designated as essential. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Additional Information: This is a 12 month 100% Teamster Unit 3 position. This position includes the option to participate in the U of MN benefits package. Probationary period: 720 straight time hours.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience or 1 year of education in commercial gardening, grounds maintenance, or related field.
• Experience as a lead worker.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Ability to repetitively lift and carry 50 lbs.

Essential Qualification

• Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid MDA non-commercial pesticide applicators license.
• Experience operating a skid steer with attachments and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisory staff.
• Ability to lead student workers on specific tasks.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.23 - $28.18/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 75%-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.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

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.